Stories & experiences

I asked myself the same question, and got stressed by asking it. The answer I eventually came up with was... you will deal with it. Smoking does not make you good at your job, you already are.When I am stressed, I still go outside, like I used to ... walk, music. Or take time out even 5 minutes away and take long deep breaths.Break it down. How you respond to stress is all about taking care of yourself, while not in work too. Making sure you enjoy something, exercise is awesome for stress, getting quality sleep. The key is clearing out anxiety and stress in the body and mind before it builds up to a point where you cannot manage it. Especially if you work in an environment where you are absorbing negativity. I have tried camomile tea it has a calming effect, you can also get them in a tablet form.

You will not fall apart in stressful situations as a non-smoker. In fact in time you will deal with stress better than you used to. Hope that helps.

hi Checks
the same big deep breaths you used to take while inhaling, but now only full of fresh healthy air!!! I do the same as converse, I go outside at work same times as when I used to smoke, and have a nice walk in the sun and fresh air, then go back inside - failing that chocolate!!

Hi Checks,

When I am really stressed I do the same as converse and larch, I go for a walk and take some deep breaths. It really does help. If it is really bad I may phone a friend and the poor things have to listen to me vent. but I do go back to work 90% better. I have also emailed my work colleagues to let them know I may not physically or mentally handle the stress of giving up smoking very well and to bear with me for a month or so. and that I hope not to offend anyone. They have been really supportive so it is okay if I run outside and have a moment :)

I'm a nurse in the emergency department so that gets quite stressful! I don't go outside - that's too hard - and I can't always remove myself from the situation - obviously! But like Converse said - somehow you just manage. All those who never smoked are getting on with it so why should I be any different? I do go to the gym regularly now, run regularly, eat well and get plenty of sleep - all those things help you handle stress better. If you have a REALLY bad day have a glass of wine or two when you get home!

I have two kids, and can be massively stressful ... Honestly I go and have a glass of water & just breathe. Works like a charm :) Good luck and keep up awesome work.