Finding something to fill the gap
Hi All,
I am only at day 5 at the moment (Day 15 of Champix), but all is going well, no crazy dreams (not bad ones anyway) I have not felt nauseous yet, and I am not really interested in having another smoke.... The only problem I am having is what to do with the time I used to spend having a "break" and a cigarette.....
I work in an office and would normally use a smoke break to clear my head, or to get my head around some kind of block I was having at the time. Even just simply to get my eyes away from staring a computer screens for 12 hours straight.
My issue is now, that I dont have a "Reason" to go outside and clear my head, and the other benifits which I have now associated with smoking. I find myslef sitting and staring at the computer for hours on end......
What are your ideas on this?
Hi Aaron_L,
Good for you on deciding to quit!!! The Champix are a powerful aid. Ah! the spare time you have left to fill now by not smoking can be daunting at the beginning. But you will get used to it, you are at the early stages, so being creative in your ideas is paramount. I found going for a long walk at breaks very helpful, make sure to get out of the space of work. No stimulation can mean boredom hence... thinking of smoking. Listen to music, make a phone-call, read something not work related. It can feel foreign at the beginning but you will start to enjoy the new choices you have given yourself, rather than stuck doing the same thing that is harming you, over and over again. I use running now, it helps massively, I cannot believe how much more energy I have and how my fitness level is like nothing I have ever experienced. It helps with any cravings at the beginning and keeps stress to a minimum. Treat yourself to a nice healthy lunch, outside the office, or meet a friend or colleague. The list is endless, but do not put a smoke near your mouth,I wish you every success and look forward to congratulating you on your progress.
Thanks Converse, I work on a mine site, so escaping from my space of work is a little difficult..... being pretty much in the middle of nowhere....
Your ideas are great though, and I will still give the walk around idea a spin and see how that helps me. Cheers :)
If you can, a walk is great. Makes you feel better and clears your mind. I also find that planning an activity for after work, say, bike ride, gym, walk also kept me focussed during the day on staying healthy and smoke free. It gave me something to look forward to after work other than a smoke. When I was on around day 5, I think I felt similar to you - a little lost not knowing what to do. It was a strange feeling which thankfully doesn't last all that long. Keep up the good work mate. If I can do it anyone can. Stay Strong and always reming yourself of why you chose to give cigs the flick.
Hi Arron how long did it take you to completely stop smoking I'm on day 12 of champix have cut down , haven't had one today so hopefully I Have had my last smoke already.
Hi Deblam
My first day of no smoking was day 9 of Champix, that was because I ran out of tobacco, and thought... "well now is a good enough time I suppose" And it has gone well from then on.....
Don't forget to put today's date in your journey, if you haven't had one today then that is a fantastic start :)
If it doesn't happen today don't stress, just then try again tomorrow....
You will get there in the end.
Good luck!!!!
Hi Deblam
My first day of no smoking was day 9 of Champix, that was because I ran out of tobacco, and thought... "well now is a good enough time I suppose" And it has gone well from then on.....
Don't forget to put today's date in your journey, if you haven't had one today then that is a fantastic start :)
If it doesn't happen today don't stress, just then try again tomorrow....
You will get there in the end.
Good luck!!!!