I think I Got it

It may seem simply but I think I have it. I am being challenged with changing my diet for health reasons, I have to also stop smoking. I am not giving into the urge to go smoke and I am wondering is this what life is about.

Yes it is, making the tough decisions no matter how difficult, trying, no matter what, doing what is right. Then you reward yourself as consistently as your hard work, I think figuring out what your reward is that does not counter your hard work is the trick to making this work. You have your work work which includes anything that must be done whether you like it or not because your well being depends on it. Then there is your pleasure work that also affects your well being, but you enjoy doing it.

Work work and pleasure work get equal time, equal effort, equal existence in your life. Be well all, Happy New Years!

[Lost_in_life]

Congrats! I, too, changed my diet, started exercising AND quit smoking over the last six months. Back in June I found out I was pre-diabetic. I had lost a family friend -- who was younger that me (!) -- earlier last year. He had diabetes and high blood pressure. So, I decided it was time for a change. I have to admit I "slid back" on the diet and exercise over the holidays... but, at least I've been able to stick with the smoking cessation, despite strong urges to start again.

I just wish I could say that all these positive changes helped my mental state.

[Hidden in reply to Lost_in_life]

So now you need to find something you really enjoy doing to reward yourself. And do it as often as you want to. This is what I have yet to do. I raised my children to believe you work hard and you play hard, reward yourself. I think that is the winning combination.

[Lost_in_life in reply to Hidden]

Yeah... that's a real problem for me. With my anxiety and depression I find it really difficult to enjoy ANYTHING. In fact, it seems like EVERYTHING is bothering me. (I was even contemplating making a post about that). Everything seems to provoke either my anxiety or my depression (or "post-holiday blues"). Even driving to the grocery store earlier today upset me. Of course, it doesn't help that I'm unemployed... and I'm also worried about several almost utterly intractable problems.

[Hidden in reply to Lost_in_life]

I understand the feeling. I am praying that one day everything will just fall into place. I spent the last 10-15 years going from job to job, I believe I have finally found the right one now and just in time, not many years left before retirement. I just found the right church and I am hoping everything else falls into place. I think if I just hold onto the accomplishments I have made and keep adding as I go along it will work out, as it will with you.

[Southpark in reply to Hidden]

Please tell me about your church. I have had anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation since June. My pastor called once. Put me on the prayer chain (which I am grateful for). The person who is the “care” minister called only once. They preach caring about the church family but I feel isolated and alone. Sleep deprivation makes everything worse. Has anyone else had this experience?

[Hidden in reply to Southpark]

Yes sleep deprivation makes things worse, anxiety is heightened during that time. Make sure you get enough sleep. No one really calls me from my church because I have not made a big effort to fellowship. But it is a small church so I am not over looked, they have a basket that they bring out every Sunday, if you have a prayer need you put a note in the basket. No one looks at the request, they pray over the basket. I joined one of the ministries at the church. That is the way to get to know people if you are not able to just strike up a conversation. Each new member meets with the Bishop so he can get to know you. They recommend fellowship with other church members so you can find someone to be accountable to. Whenever I need to talk I reach out to the leader of the ministry I joined.

[Hidden in reply to Lost_in_life]

I always wanted to dance. Once I lose the weight I need to and get stronger as I get healthier I am going to begin dance classes, or even karate classes. I like the idea of karate too!

[Jamie2018 in reply to Lost_in_life]

Did you have bad withdrawals when you quit smoking? Last time I tried to quit got headache dizzy and felt anxious

[Lost_in_life in reply to Jamie2018]

I didn't experience any withdrawal symptoms. I was already experiencing bad anxiety so it would have been hard to discern any changes brought on by nicotine withdrawal. I was more worried about weight gain, but I didn't even experience that. I can't say that the urge to smoke EVER went away.

[Jamie2018 in reply to Lost_in_life]

That's amazing no withdrawals or weight gain! Congrats! And be proud of yourself. It is so hard to quit

[Lost_in_life in reply to Jamie2018]

I read somewhere that weight gain from smoking cessation isn't as big of a problem as people have thought it was. I think the article suggested that a lot of that was "psychological," plus food can start tasting better when you quit smoking.

[Hidden in reply to Lost_in_life]

I hope so because weight gain for me is a no no.

[Hidden in reply to Lost_in_life]

I am experiencing withdrawal but I really want to stop smoking. I am going to take it a day at a time.

[softwaremom00 in reply to Hidden]

Have you tried Chantix ? I have no idea if it works but see a lot of ads for it. Stick with it. Many years ago, I remember my parents quitting smoking.. my mom talked about how she just craved nicotine. Eventually they got through it and you can too.. one day at a time and if need be, one hour at a time. Would munching celery sticks help ? Each morning cut up a bunch and have them on hand.. Try to keep your hands busy.. maybe take up something like knitting or crochet.. lots of great youtube videos and you can just make little things... like crochet book worms and give them away. Or maybe whittling .. once again tons of youtube videos.. you just need some soft wood and a sharp knife and a strop.(if you live in a place with lots of trees you can just take a small piece from a tree) . I hope these ideas help..

tons of hugs and prayers!

Softwaremom

[Hidden in reply to softwaremom00]

I have to find a way to deal with the cravings. It is my brain I have to deal with. The anxiety that causes me to reach for a cigarette. I try to remind myself this is for my health but then I just tell myself just a few puffs it will be ok. I do not know if knitting or anything else will help because it is when I experience stress that I smoke.

[softwaremom00 in reply to Hidden]

I have found mindfulness meditation to be helpful when I experience stress. Our teacher, in the class I took, she talked about a mini-meditation. In class she talked about Connection, Awareness, and Regulation(CAR) "Connection - When you are angry or impatient. .etc .. what is causing you stress .. that is when you need to connect with those feelings,thoughts..etc of anger, impatience, or whatever. Awareness - then you bring your mind into the present by shifting your awareness to experience so that you can let got of those thoughts that are causing you problems. Focus on breathing.. or listen to what is going on around you.. try to be in the present. Regulation - Then you are able to regulate what happens next. You first regulate your thoughts by letting them go.. when you shift to being in the present. Then you are present. Then you decide what happens next." (from my class binder.. by Michelle DuVal of The Mindful Center.. these are her words and not mine.I did shorten it a little )

I find the mini-Meditations to really help. I try to practice when someone stresses me out..but you can practice even when you are doing mundane things like brushing your teeth. Instead of daydreaming I shift to being in the present and experiencing it. I hope this helps a little. I am sure there are tons of great Mindfulness classes out there.. and books too. I thought I would share something from mine.

I also love L-theanine for relaxation.. sometimes I take one when I am having a really hard time meditating. It is from green tea and lots of places sell it. Or just try a cup of decaf green tea with honey and see if it helps.

[Hidden in reply to softwaremom00]

I will try both, thank you, the meditation and the tea.

[Missnoname]

This is insightful. Thank you. Happy New year!

[Hidden]

A very post sweetie, happy new year