Day 24

[nsd_user663_33894]

Day 24 (anyone else imagine the Big Brother Geordie accent when they write the day down?)

Going really well now. The urges to smoke are few and far between, although I'm still getting nicotine cravings - there's a subtle difference between the two, but it's there. The nicotine cravings are lessening too - I'm still using the patches but finding I'm use the spray/inhalator less.

I didn't really smoke much before I quit, around 6/7 a day, so the benefits of stopping haven't really been hugely noticable. I guess that's a sign that I haven't done too much damage yet. I have noticed that I get a little less out of breath when I'm walking fast, and one person has commented on how well I look.

Going to see the nurse tomorrow. Although I've already stopped smoking, I need some advice about coming off the nicotine. She might be able to help me come up with some ideas to replace the anti-depressant effect of nicotine (probably exercise. it's always exercise :mad:).

All in all, not smoking is starting to feel pretty normal now.

[nsd_user663_33545]

Jen

24 days, that is brilliant

It does get easier . Only 4 days to go and you done 4 weeks , you go, a day at a time

[nsd_user663_5920]

Going to see the nurse tomorrow. Although I've already stopped smoking, I need some advice about coming off the nicotine. She might be able to help me come up with some ideas to replace the anti-depressant effect of nicotine (probably exercise. it's always exercise :mad:).

All in all, not smoking is starting to feel pretty normal now

Whilst exercise will undoubtedly help with boosting endorphins and reduce that 'low' that sometimes comes with, or gets added to, when quitting, there are other good ways of increasing endorphins.

Food ... Simple food to boost your mood

Low endorphin levels have a negative impact in making us want comfort food, ie generally 'fatty' foods which can add to anxiety, sluggishness, nervousness and general blues. Not a good circle to go round on.

Possibly your taste buds are relishing the taste of food again so try upping your protein intake via lean meats and plenty of veg and fruit.

If need be look at supplements such as St Johns Wort and or Sea Kelp.

Keep your serotonin levels up too. A low serotonin measure may well affect anxiety adding to depression. Again, exercise will help in this area but good high protein foods also benefit. If like me you don't eat much fish then consider taking omegas. 5-HTP supplements are good to help raise serotonin.

Some good mood food:

Whole grains, bananas, oats, citrus fruits, sea food, water, low fat meat.

If the above info is already known to you then my apols ... but if it helps someone else then all's good

Yoga ... not high cardio but still good in reducing stress and helping lift moods.

[nsd_user663_32615]

Going to see the nurse tomorrow. Although I've already stopped smoking, I need some advice about coming off the nicotine. She might be able to help me come up with some ideas to replace the anti-depressant effect of nicotine (probably exercise. it's always exercise :mad:).

Well done Jen - you're doing great. You have my sympathy with the exercise thing - I've never really got it, to be honest. Good luck with the nurse, anyway.

[nsd_user663_33894]

Thanks for all the encouragement and support guys.

I'm actually trying to go back to eating healthily, so your post was well-timed Pol. Unfortunately I'm a vegetarian, so I don't eat meat or fish, which is where it becomes a bit more difficult to get lots of protein in. But I'm getting there

I love to walk, but it's hard to find the time to do enough of it, especially with it getting dark so early. Too hungry when I first get home

[nsd_user663_12625]

Well done

Well done calamity you're doing great. Stick with it .

[nsd_user663_32978]

Well done Jen you are doing so well,

I will say I am not an exercise person but I am having to do some because I have gained weight. I went for a jog on Sunday (jog a bit walk a bit really) but did 2 miles and was really proud of myself. When I finished I felt really great. I was happy and energetic. Felt a bit sore yesterday though but that is to be expected.

Have you got a Wii and Wii board? If not I will say that is worth having. The exercises are fun so it doesn't really feel like exercising but it does have the same effect.

Lingy

[nsd_user663_33894]

I wish I had room for a wii! Seriously, the layout of our flat means there's very little room to manouvere, plus the creaky floorboards would disturb the downstairs neighbours. I'm considering getting one of those mini-trampolines - that might not be too loud.

[nsd_user663_33962]

Well done jen!

Nearly a whole month. That's such an amazing achievement

[nsd_user663_33740]

Well done Jen. I'm about the same, day 25 today. I too need to exercise and lose a few pounds....soon! It is hard to get motivated though and the Champix has made me bloat a bit...will start soon, couldn't be a*sed right now.:rolleyes:

Keep up the good work.