Centurion
104 Days smoke free!
A lot of the techniques I used to quit smoking were directly influenced by my decision to quit gambling in late 2012. I had struggled with that addiction for almost 6 years and without a cent to my name made the decision to turn my life around.
The techniques were the same. I made the decision to quit and set myself simple goals. 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, 1 month and 3 months. I always considered 3 weeks to be a turning point in trying to quit both the cigarettes and the pokies. If you could make 3 weeks, you could make it forever.
After the three weeks it's considerably less about the addiction and more about addressing the issues that drive you to addictive substances. Regarding the gambling I had to address my depression and anxiety that drove me to blow my pay each week and with the cigarettes I had to address my ability to effectively manage stress as well as placing an emphasis on my relationships and how the smoking affected them.
My next goal is to make a change in my diet and lifestyle. I have been active over the last 18 months and enjoy exercise, however my diet has always been horrible. I figure if I have the strength to beat gambling and the smokes, I have the strength to beat junk food.
I'm committed to a healthy lifestyle and am excited about the opportunities that it brings.
Wow, Gebstar....congrats on your achievement's, that is amazing! I can imagine how liberated you feel from all the vices that were restricting your being. The future indeed looks very bright for you, keep up the great work.
I am smiling because I understood everything you said, I too quit gambling back in 2009 , smoking 76 days ago , food is like the final frontier and probably the hardest cause it seems like the last big one left for me.
strange it wasn't an issue so much when I was using other addictions, and well the other stuff we don't need to stay alive, gambling, smoking, drinking etc.. but food well.
so I understand.
the answer is like all others when its time :)
well done by the way I know how it feels.
IC
Well done Centurion; proud of you. With regards to food eat whole food; get rid of all processed food especially sugars (another toxic item). I bring food to the office from home. Helps a lot with eating healthy and saving $. As well, i have incorporated daily walking, climbing stairs (at the office), and push ups in my daily life. Kid you not but sometimes I feel like I am 16 again in terms of energy.