so far...
Just wanted to check in,it had occurred to me over the past few days reading everyone else's posts that I'm getting tips from everyone,whether they are one day or one year off,also people who have slipped and come back,they are probably the best,so thanks you especially to you guys.There was a post mentioned about CBT which I have found extremely helpful,Steve Polanski was the name.I am already using CBT in another context and it made complete sense with regards to smoking too.After the initial nicotine withdrawal symptoms tapered I was still left with the emotional dependence and that is huge! On the plus side I'm seeing the difference in my running after only 10 days,hope you are,all well x
Hi Sasha. My quit day is tomorrow and I have been reading Steve Polanskis CBT tips all this week. I really feel like this is my last quit and am on my way to becoming smoke free. So, last cigarette shortly and then what remains of my tobacco is being thrown in the fire. Feeling really excited about the good days to come. I know there is alot of work involved but having read his pdf on CBT, I feel like I'm armed with some really good tools. I also know that I couldn't bear to go through the guilt and self hatred if I fail this time. So, tomorrow is a brand new day and I plan to start it with enthusiasm and humor.
Hi Shasha, it is great that ypu are already seeing a difference with your running. That must be one good incentive to keep up the good fight. I also looked into the Polanski website after Spring Has Sprung mentioned it and I found it very useful. I think that once I am no longer taking Zyban the CBT will help me through.
Good on you Spring Has Sprung - I really am wishing you all the very best. It is a challenging road but I can say that today I have NOT had ONE SINGLE CRAVING! I know it won't always be so easy but it is good to know that, along the way, there are moments of great relief.
Wishing you both - Shasha and Spring Has Sprung - smooth sailing. When the going gets tough, check in here.
I find myself exhausted over-analysing the act of quitting. Sometimes I wish my head would just stop. In grow we had a good saying for what i am going through. 'Give your hangup a rest.' THanks for the post.
Hi Shasha - nice teeth LOL!
Great that you notice the difference and a good thing to focus on the benefits and rewards of the not smoking instead of all the doom and gloom around it - feeling crappy does get offset by the better run result, more work done, fatter wallet, and not annoying others with your smoking...
maybe we should all try focus on the benefits, even though they often seem outweighed by the cravings and discomfort of not smoking...
I can say that I have not really done this yet, but may be something to try and notice..this week, for me, will all be about the good stuff - Yay!
Not bragging, but today is day 12.., 2 days from 2 weeks.. still doing fine..
Penelope - try "Square Breathing" to stop the over-analyzing and ruminating...
"Square breathing:
Breathe in for 5 seconds and imagine the side of a square being drawn. Then hold your breath for 5 seconds as you ‘see’ the next side of the square being completed. Exhale for 5 seconds, watching the third side of the square being drawn. And, hold for 5 seconds, watching the full square take form. If you have difficulty ‘seeing’ the square, feel free to just focus on counting each part of the breath. While focusing on your breath in these ways, you will find that you are not worrying about other things.
Practice square breathing ten times each day as part of a morning and/or evening routine. It can help you feel calmer at those times, as well as helping to build your proficiency at the technique. As you gain this expertise, you’ll find that you can effectively use square breathing at times during the day when you feel particularly anxious."
I do this to make the really bad cravings pass, and then get up afterwards and do something that totally encompasses my mind..
Good luck everyone, and keep quit on the smokes.. well done to all the "Quitters"