Me time
40 days today. After 35 years of smoking whenever I could. Which makes it quite challenging for me to stay quit because I associate just about EVERYTHING with smoking. I'm constantly reminded that in this very situation (choose any random situation :-) ) I would light up a cigarette. I need a lot of energy to refocus on other contents. I don't need a lot of energy for actually "resisting". It's this constant shifting the spotlight off cigarettes that drains most of my energy. It goes like this: move left foot. Oh- I could light up a cigarette. Nope. Scratch head. Oh, how about a cigarette. No-ope. Sigh. ;-)
I noticed that a strenght of mine is that I'm very dedicated and persistant. Family, friends, work: I'll go the extra mile, won't shy away from the hardest challenges. I told myself, now that's interesting. So I declared the next six months to be ME TIME. It's time to go the extra mile for myself. And that's what I'm doing.
And I'm reading the stories and experiences that all of you share, and they help tremedously. Thanks to everybody. Looking forward belonging to the 7% making it.
Klara, sounds like you are determined and you should be able to succeed. Stay strong and don’t give in to cravings. Good luck.
Rooting for you Klara.
So it sounds like there are triggers everywhere and it's a constant stuggle for you. Did you try the ginger turmeric cleanse? It got me to quit smoking as i said in my story, it reduces cravings. Even if it doesn't work it is great for getting the gunk out of your lungs, as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory etc..... research it and try it for a week to see if that helps. Everything in moderation .
Maybe if you could take notes at the end of an activity as to whether you had fewer or none. Exercising, cooking, showering, a relaxing bath, reading,at work, driving, alone breaks, breaks with smokers, playing on computer Don't think about it, it is like asking you not to think of an elephant and of course you do, but reflect back when in the midst of a craving.
Quit groups tell you to stay away from smokers. Allan Carr says not to . You have given up cigarettes, not your friends, you need them now.
You are fortunate that they are not physical cravings but annoying thoughts that wash over you. Some people i understand have lungs that ache. That must be so awful and make a quit very difficult. You are stronger than the cravings, don't think of what you are missing, think of how you want your life back. Just tell the craving that you are a non-smoker now and that you are in control now and you now hold the power. You do you know. Stop the two minds in your head from fighting and it will stop. You will be victorious Klara. It will be over soon and be so worth it.
I want to edit this and for some reason cannot. When i used the phrase You have given up cigarettes, i misspoke.... Never feel that you GAVE THEM UP. ... which implies you were forced to and miss them, when your understanding of the nicotine addition is now such that you know that it did absolutely nothing for you. You do not want it in your life anymore. You are a non-smoker and non-smokers don't smoke. Positive thoughts, Positive Mindset
Hi Klara
Im completely resoled that i had my last puff on a cancer stick weeks ago.
What i didnt realize is the TIME factor
Have you found anything comforting or even uncomfortable with not smoking?
cheers