Day 7 - a whole week of 'NOPE' and not 'mope'!
I haven't, at any point this week, thought "I want a cigarette".
I haven't driven at breakneck speed to the nearest 24 Hour petrol station - burst into tears on the forecourt - bought cigarettes - only to hurl the packet in the nearest bin before bawling my eyes out all the way home. (Yes - these are milestones of my previous quits)
I think, for the first time, my mind has fully absorbed the notion that I am not missing anything...I'm not depriving myself of anything.
I'm living the dream NOW - I'm a non-smoker. The only person that can rob me of that is ME if I put a cigarette in my mouth.
I feel terrific mentally and not so great physically.
Sleep has been tricky since day three - can't fall asleep easily and I'm having weird technicolour dreams - not really nightmares but confusing, exhausting dreams. I read somewhere that it can take weeks or even months for a smoker's brain to readjust to the new levels of oxygen and blood flow brought about by quitting - hence headaches and sleep disturbance.
I still have that odd sensation of a large rat gnawing on the inside of my stomach - kinda like hunger mixed with anxiety.
Occasionally, I feel lost. I've spent 35 years perfecting my tapping, cupping, lighting, sucking, exhaling and stubbing out - of course it feels strange to suddenly stop all these constant little movements and gestures. Several times, I've been reading something on the PC and my hand has unconsciously started groping around on my desk looking for a cigarette packet out of sheer habit!
Flatulence. I won't elaborate any further than confiding that my dog has abandoned my bed in favour of her basket in the kitchen for the last few nights...
Skin rashes and itching. I googled this and found out it's a symptom of blood circulation improving - so a good thing, despite looking like I've been sleeping in an ants' nest!
All these strange little symptoms are proof of body repairs and readjustment so I can accept them as a positive thing!
I'm working hard on taking time out to relax. If I notice my hands have bunched into fists and my shoulders feel like the coat hanger is still in the shirt I'm wearing - I take time out and follow a guided meditation. If I can't do that - I'll just follow the same breathing techniques recommended for a panic attack - slow breaths in through the nose for the count of five....hold for five...exhale for five...until I feel the tension slip away.
Oh - and hunger! Yep. Ravenous...all the time. I'm carrying a flask of water everywhere and drinking frequently to fill myself up. Hopefully this will subside or I'll need another support forum just for chocolate mousse and Danish pastries....
Looking forward to my second week!
Love and good wishes to all! x
Congratulations Percy on your smokeless week. Really liked reading, "I haven't, at any point this week, thought "I want a cigarette"." Looks like you are doing great and in control. You are an encouragement to me! I look forward to hearing your future progress,... awesome job!
@Nope: Thank you. It was great to catch up on your news. Reaching Day 3 without a wobble is a serious milestone - well done, Mrs!
If you start to struggle with withdrawal symptoms just think to yourself: "This is absolutely fine because I'll NEVER have to go through this process again."
Keep smiling and keep up the great work x
Look at you go Percy, you are in the drivers seat of your destiny. I love the determination and guts of your approach. You have got this!! I did a face mask the other night and relished in the fragrance and feeling of fresh rejuvenated skin feel, along with hair wash. Small things I know, but a whole lot more appealing and nice than smelling like an ash tray I'd say🤣😊😊😊
Look at you go Percy, you are in the drivers seat of your destiny. I love the determination and guts of your approach. You have got this!! I did a face mask the other night and relished in the fragrance and feeling of fresh rejuvenated skin feel, along with hair wash. Small things I know, but a whole lot more appealing and nice than smelling like an ash tray I'd say🤣😊😊😊
Look at you absorbing all that dopamine and staying in a positive mood despite some maladies.
It is the first time I have heard of these facts to account for some complaints that we get here. Thank you for that information!
It is more reassuring and acceptable to endure these discomforts knowing that it is a positive sign of the body healing. Some get concerned when they start coughing more, dispelling the filth in our lungs. Another positive sign that our celia is getting stronger and able to start cleaning our lungs again. Personally i slept like a baby, better than ever after quitting smoking, but seem to sleep less after my stroke and exercising more. Perhaps the extra oxygen accounts for that? Perhaps I just decided to enjoy every extra moment here on earth, no time wasted!
You are doing a wonderful job in taking back control of your life. Keep us informed of any other interesting tidbits. Fascinating!
Percy
You are not alone so well put it is a rat that eats at the whole of yor body lm 25 days in. When l crave l think of a time when l was free and not dependant on this rat. I have found a place when l was young and it actually brings a warmth to think of it rather than the rat that we have become dependant. Think of the great times without the rat.
Oooh, Leeann! "You are in the drivers seat of your destiny" LOVE that!
Love that so much, I've written it on the front cover of my Allen Carr book and credited it to you with the date underneath. I don't want to forget a thing about this journey or the wonderful people I meet along the way! You've been immortalised in black ink in my best italic handwriting forever :)
@Happiness: You really are a bit of a special lady, aren't you? So supportive and committed to shepherding this flock across to the land of green pastures and pure oxygen. It's so nice to find your comments and have you rooting for me. You are the best quit buddy any of us could have - you're so much appreciated. Thank you. x
@Ican: 25 days is fantastic - well done you! I hope you'll be writing more about your experiences - I'd love to follow your story.
Great post Percy, I can identify with all of those feelings and subconscious acts, that you write about, these will eventually pass, with a strong belief in yourself and that word NOPE (not one puff ever) scripted on your mind, don't give up your writing ability anytime soon. You do it so well. Congratulations on day 7
Percy you had me in fits of laughter totally relating. I'm looking forward to your second week of fun and high spirits even through the anxiety 🤣🙌❤️