I am going into week three today and nearly all but the odd crave exists now.
I think I now have a choice whether I smoke or not and that feels a bit weird to be honest.
During the first few days and week one of stopping, I felt so brilliant and proud and I think this carried me along - now I just feel a bit deflated and lost to be honest.
When I get up in the morning, I feel complete and normal (like I have just had a cigarette I suppose!) which is great but when it comes to dealing with stress, I just can't seem to get it through my head.
Even though I understand intellectually that cigarettes do not lower my stress levels or help at all in times of stress, I still can't get it through my head that it is an illusion.
The last two weekends have been very stressful with different things happening and I have so wanted my little support. Even though I know smoking won't help, I still want one and that's how I feel.
I cannot stand the thought of going through the next few months like this or life like this.
Help!
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nsd_user663_3720
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lisa its only been a few weeks. for years you have taught yourself that when you get stressed, smoking helps. and for years you beleived it. its very difficult to erase years and years worth of something your brain has been thinking. give it more time. the main thing is, you have had two weekends of stress and have coped without them! so well done x
It's a common thing, Many people have complained of feeling similar to the way you describe - once the euphoria is gone, they feel as if theres nothing left to aim for.
The only thing I can suggest is to start reading (again, if necessary) whyquit.comwoofmang.com are 2 of my favourite sites.
Hopefully reading some of the information and stories will re-affirm in your own head the importance of staying focused - although it doesn't seem like it, this is one of the most important phases of your quit - the next few weeks until it starts to feel like you can not only survive without a cigarette, but can live a full and "normal" life without smoking.
This change is one that you have chosen, to stop smoking. 3 weeks is a blink of the eye compared with your smoking life so hang on in there and let yourself adjust.
As for helping to maintain focus, why do I reply to so many of the posts? Well now its because I enjoy it initially it helped me to maintain my focus!!
Thanks for your prompt replies - I am feeling a little down today and I feel as If I have been fighting myself for two weeks now - I just want a break!!!
I also have an anxiety disorder so stopping smoking has also contributed to raising my anxiety levels (which I knew it would but it is a little disconcerting).
Anyway, I know I will not give in and go back to smoking - I really don't want to 23 hours and 55 minutes of the day! It is just those odd moments.........
I suppose I feel a bit depressed because I feel I am in no mans land - I have both feet firmly implanted in the "I will never smoke again" camp yet I have this nagging thought in my head......"so what next"?
I am sure this is a temporary thing.
I also think I am bored - I seem to have so much more time on my hands and haven't quite figured out what to do with it yet. I used to stay home alot in the evenings after work to smoke (I have just worked this out recently) so now it feels like "what do I do now then if I don't smoke"?
Sorry to babble, just thinking out loud here..........
if your bored and have free time in the evenings why dont you join a gym and start doing exercise? exercise releases a feel good hormone and can also be very addictive (but good for you!) and you will find it much easier now you have stopped smoking! and all the money you save on ciggies will pay for your membership time and time again.
I certainly agree with the exercise,it really does help
Its helped me so much these past few weeks and the fact I can fill my lungs better during my routine only makes me more aware that quitting was the best thing Ive done for myself In years
Ah now yes, I do a stint on my exercise bike in the evening and it certainly helps me feel better.
But what to do with the other three and a half hours????
I am an avid reader but am finding it difficult to concentrate on books at the moment - apart from books on why I shouldn't smoke!
Take no notice of me - I am just having one of those days......and it is Monday.......and I am tired.......and I am cold.....and full of self pity......
Ah now yes, I do a stint on my exercise bike in the evening and it certainly helps me feel better.
But what to do with the other three and a half hours????
I am an avid reader but am finding it difficult to concentrate on books at the moment - apart from books on why I shouldn't smoke!
Take no notice of me - I am just having one of those days......and it is Monday.......and I am tired.......and I am cold.....and full of self pity......
Tomorrow is another day.
I don't know if you are an arty/crafty sort of person but I usually do crochet or failing that play Nintendo DS or anything that keeps you and your hands busy. Or just keep coming on here. I find it helps reading the posts and answering a few as by the time you have finished you have forgotten about the evil weed for a while.
I really think this is nicotne playing with our minds now.... it knows we can beat it.. so it is just making us think we need it and it will help when in fact it wont make a blind bit of difference..in fact..only make stressful times even more stressful....
YOU are not missing ANYTHING at all.... in fact we are all gaining freedom....
now all i have to do is listen to my own advice!!!!
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When does smoking become repulsive?
