Still trying
I had quit, cold turkey back in 2011 when I met my partner.
It was my New Years Resolution.
It had worked up until I had my youngest son, in 2019, when I stopped breastfeeding at 4 months.
By this time I was snowed under with the motherhood stresses with having two, very demanding sons, under two years of age, and I was struggling, had no support.
I started smoking again!
Not a lot, I would have one around midday when I was finally able to get them down for a sleep, and if I did get them down.
Mostly it was at night time after they were sound asleep. I would have what I referred to as “me time” and would smoke around another 4 cigarettes before bed.
It was the only thing that calmed me and my stress, anxiety and depression.
I’ve since started vaping, to cut back and cut down my nicotine intake. It’s worked, I have wanted a cigarette for ages!
I recall having sneaked a cigarette from a friend twice after having started vaping. The cigarette gave me an instant headache and I couldn’t stand the taste or smell and it made me sick! So I think the vaping is really helping me.
Despite all the rumours of the health affects of vaping, I have not had any issues to date with my health, and I don’t even cough with vaping like I did with cigarettes for years nor do I have breathing difficulties.
Essentially I wish to get to the poi t where I can wean myself off vaping too, so I can be 100% smoke free.
It seems that you have a logical and practical plan to initiate. While the verdict on the long term effect of vaping in unknown , we know that the tars that coat your lungs from smoking cigarettes can certainly not be any worse. Since it is to be a short term NRT, I personally do not nix the idea. The thing is though, the act itself is part of the problem, and the psychological part larger still. Work on seeing smoking in a different way. Soon it will become very time consuming and interfer with the time with your children. What about the money spent, does that not cause stress itself? Plan other things to do with your time and money that bring pleasures to you and the kids.
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Follow the leader with the kids for instance.or just walking. Soak in a tub and have a "me" night. Buy and do something that makes you feel good.
Stay with us and learn to WANT to give up these vices and enjoy freedom from nicotine and negative things in life. We start to love ourselves more and take better care of ourselves. Do it for your children, but most of all do it for YOU!