Cravings- blues-disappointments
15 days into my life without cigarettes, not a good day today. I wanted to get more serious with writing, something I should have done for days now. But I usually did that with lots of smoking breakes, so now ,not really sure how to even start. I did so many breaks...Toilet breaks, breathing through breaks, breaks for nothing, but never really got into the actual work. Feeling so stupid of not being able to switch my thoughts away and get productive. I mean, I managed so many other situations... Still not smoking, but I guess I am really frustrated right now...
I'm not surprised that this had happened to you as it was similar for me. Just go with it, don't let yourself get too frustrated as that will make it worse and the cravings will get the better of you.
Strange things will happen, you will like what you didn't, unlike what you did, not be able to do somethings that had a smoking link ( reading or writing) etc. it will ease up eventually. Good luck.
Hi andies,
My job requires an enormous amount of concentration as I deal with the law and legislation and my decisions directly affect individuals and companies alike and I have to write fairly lengthy reports with a lot of technical detail. It was not good when I first gave up the ciggies - I could NOT concentrate to save myself (lol). So, I was kind to myself and accepted that it was going to take me 2 or 3 times the amount of time to achieve any given task. Also, in my job I make decisions and carry them through - however, during the early days I lost my confidence to make these decisions and again, I was kind to myself and asked my colleagues to look over my work (explaining the lack of concentration from quitting smoking) before I came to my conclusions. This went on for a number of weeks but it passed and now I'm 95 days smoke free and have been fully functional in my job for a while now (thank goodness I'm self managed and was able to take the time out for myself!). So my message to you is don't give up - it will pass and your concentration levels will return to normal. Be kind to yourself and take as many breaks (for whatever reason) you need. I also found chuppa chups were great during this time too
Good luck and keep posting
Dear Crasher, thanks so much for your answer. It is actually good to know that other people had similar problems. The concentration to write (it is actually an article which is supposed to be published) has not come back yet, but at least, I am a little calmer, when sitting down. Somehow I feel now that it will actually be great, to write/concentrate without having to think to make a smoke break all the time.. So I guess, I will get there...