Motivational techniques: Does anyone have any... - No Smoking Day

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Motivational techniques

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Does anyone have any really great motivational techniques. Craves are largely a thing of the past I think now -no doubt a humdinger will come along shortly to prove me wrong.

What I have noticed though is that my motivation seems to have drifted somewhat, not all the time but occassionally, like today I really should go for a run but lack motivation, before I'd reward myself with a fag or whatever, am getting nervous as everything seems to be coming down to food at the moment, really want to find another motivational tool. Have tried pep talks and things and telling myself well done but some days are just harder than others.

On the whole though, cheers to a life without smoking, no longer a roller coaster but sometimes life a the mo is just a little too bland! Wouldn't be British if I didn't whine and complain even when the going is good.

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nsd_user663_4964 profile image
nsd_user663_4964

Hey Mah

Yeah i know the feeling. Definitely the reward of a cigarette, seems to have been replaced with say the reward of a chocolate cake for me, which really doesn't help the figure....;)

Don't know but i was thinking of ways to do more exercise etc and wrote out a list of exercise i liked eg swimming, dancing, walking, cycling (to country pubs for hearty lunch) horse riding, these things don't really feel like "exercise" to me, so it's not a chore to do them.

Maybe you need to change type exercise to something you really enjoy?

Or find something else as a reward (Hot bath, nice book, new perfume?)

If you still have chocolate as a reward (and why not?) I found a great box of green and blacks organic chocolate squares ( i figure this must almost be as healthy as cabbage), with white choc, milk and dark... All individually wrapped, so its easier just to have one or two.

nsd_user663_5058 profile image
nsd_user663_5058

hmmm there are many ways to be motivated but really depends if you are willing to continue to motivate your self.

nsd_user663_4847 profile image
nsd_user663_4847

Hey Mah

Yeah i know the feeling. Definitely the reward of a cigarette, seems to have been replaced with say the reward of a chocolate cake for me, which really doesn't help the figure....;)

Don't know but i was thinking of ways to do more exercise etc and wrote out a list of exercise i liked eg swimming, dancing, walking, cycling (to country pubs for hearty lunch) horse riding, these things don't really feel like "exercise" to me, so it's not a chore to do them.

Maybe you need to change type exercise to something you really enjoy?

Or find something else as a reward (Hot bath, nice book, new perfume?)

If you still have chocolate as a reward (and why not?) I found a great box of green and blacks organic chocolate squares ( i figure this must almost be as healthy as cabbage), with white choc, milk and dark... All individually wrapped, so its easier just to have one or two.

Thanks Jude all suggestions welcome.

Hot bath, new perfume, everything - also now having St John's wort, hard to tell if it's working but not feeling as blue. Had a night in last night and it was one of the few times I've had time and space to myself, rare when smoking too, and usually as drinking would've let myself smoke in doors, another few triggers challenged I hope.

hmmm there are many ways to be motivated but really depends if you are willing to continue to motivate your self.

Hope you were trying to be helpful there emofree, the whole point of the post was to ask for suggestions when my own willpower and determination weren't enough, to see if anybody had any *mental tricks* they used to push themselves forward.

nsd_user663_4119 profile image
nsd_user663_4119

Not sure of your background MAH but I have got a daughter and parents who are the proudest relations to an ex-smoker you can meet!!! LOL They are all the motivation I need. My daughter who is 10 is even chivvying me along with my fitness and getting me out most evenings for a walk/jog/cycle.

Rightly or wrongly I reward myself with wine on the weekend which is still a nice sin to have and its not excessive. I also like saving for 'spensive things like handbags, boots and weekends away.

I think I am at a point where i can say "I havent time to smoke"!!!

Here is to cliches and here is one "this feeling does pass"

Nog

xxx

nsd_user663_4990 profile image
nsd_user663_4990

MAH,

Only thing i can say is 'what a diffference a day makes', what you have hit is a blue patch.. a grey zone.. it gets to be like wading through glue.. and you kinda don't see the positives, despite them being glaringly obvious at other times.

I've had a few days during this quit where i felt this ohhh i dunno.. a truly empty feeling.. like something is missing.. like i am 'missing something'.. and once i realised i was missing what i was giving up, i realised that the addiction was once again trying another dirty trick to upset my resolve.

Basically don't beat yourself up just yet for things you are not doing, instead you need to realise that what you are doing is worth every bit the effort you are throwing at it.

The grey/blue days do pass, they really do and although you can't always see it yourself at the time.. putting time on this thing is the biggest cure to it of all.

Just because you don't fancy a run one day.. does not not mean you won't forever, its just a phase and you will get through it.

If nothing else, just put a smile out there in defiance, and don't let this thing get you down.. there is better coming.

nsd_user663_4847 profile image
nsd_user663_4847

MAH,

Only thing i can say is 'what a diffference a day makes', what you have hit is a blue patch.. a grey zone.. it gets to be like wading through glue.. and you kinda don't see the positives, despite them being glaringly obvious at other times.

I've had a few days during this quit where i felt this ohhh i dunno.. a truly empty feeling.. like something is missing.. like i am 'missing something'.. and once i realised i was missing what i was giving up, i realised that the addiction was once again trying another dirty trick to upset my resolve.

Basically don't beat yourself up just yet for things you are not doing, instead you need to realise that what you are doing is worth every bit the effort you are throwing at it.

The grey/blue days do pass, they really do and although you can't always see it yourself at the time.. putting time on this thing is the biggest cure to it of all.

Just because you don't fancy a run one day.. does not not mean you won't forever, its just a phase and you will get through it.

If nothing else, just put a smile out there in defiance, and don't let this thing get you down.. there is better coming.

True Jase

Agree some days are good and some are bad, hoping things will improve and stay that way though.

nsd_user663_4121 profile image
nsd_user663_4121

Hey MAH,

you're still in a period of readjustment and it's going to take time to fill all those moments you used to run out and have a smoke..... I read a lot (easy to read books so I could just zone out)..... watching tv worked some. Started cleaning the house more (with loud music :)) and of course being on here. Anytime I felt like I was close to not dealing well, I would take a hot shower.... yup, snacking was big, too..... don't worry about the food for now or gaining weight..... I know it seems like it goes on and on (I totally was worried at some point about my alcohol consumption/wine mostly) BUT after 3 or 4 months, things start to not require conscious effort..... not snacking any longer, one glass of wine at night now, and finally started exercising (hot yoga.... totally hard and totally addictive :)

My point, stay busy with things that don't challenge (unless of course you feel like challenging yourself) This is a challenging time..... you're changing things around in your life and it will take time to all settle down..... to feel blah is normal at this stage (I felt the same way) Motivation, excitement.... all that will follow soon ;)

nsd_user663_5182 profile image
nsd_user663_5182

my motivations : 1. i saw my bother in law almost die (heart atack ) and i saw how hard was for him to quit in order to get a heart surgery .

im woman so im vain ofc , i realized that i pay big money to smell bad have yellow smile cellulite and wrinkles than pay more to fix those problems

smoking is not alowed in public places so im punishing myself by stay home because i cant smoke in a restaurant no ?

as method i choosed Cold Turkey

my tricks and tips : 1 post-it's " today u dont smoke in all the places where i used to smoke pc livingroom bedroom ..

i dont allow any1 to smoke in my house and since im trying hard to quit i avoid beeing with some1 who smoke .

i walk my dog anytime i feel the urge 4 a cig

i snack alot (this is a bad one but if helps .. )

i have got pathches &nicotine gum just in case

use this forum

nsd_user663_5223 profile image
nsd_user663_5223

This is quite motivational: youtube.com/watch?v=dVLtNgA...

nsd_user663_5346 profile image
nsd_user663_5346

The desire to lengthen your life is the best motivational technique that I can think for now. And of course your longing to be with your loved ones for a long time will serve also as your inspiration to quit any bad habits that you have.

It is very expensive to be hospitalized if you let your bad habits eat up your health.

Stay Healthy!

nsd_user663_6057 profile image
nsd_user663_6057

Quit Smoking

Hi Everyone,

There are many health benefits acquired when one stops smoking. If people stop smoking, the toxic gases in the blood will drop to normal, within two or three weeks, lung function increases and in a few months coughing and shortness of breathe decrease. In a year’s time major diseases can be avoided. Log on to: <Link Removed> to get lots of information.

Please try to stop smoking, before it`s too late.If I can do it You CAN do it too.

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