Welcome to Dream Views, ArchSeraph We're glad that you joined us and I wish you the best of luck getting over your 5-year dry spell. And feel free to ask questions, because as nesgirl said, that's what we're here for.

As for prolonging lucidity, I haven't had enough LDs to really know for sure, but in one LD I had I made sure to be continually reminding myself that I was dreaming. Try not to get lost in the dream, but remain aware of where you are and what's going on. Once you are able to induce LDs, it should become easier to notice your dream environment, keeping you lucid.

Anyway, I'll see you around! Sweet lucid dreams!

-Amé