This is definitely a challenge....

[nsd_user663_50610]

I Alicia, accept this challenge as a new lifestyle! To benefit my health in the future. The control is all in my hands. This gives me a better sense of motivation and determination to get away from this awful addiction. It can only get better from here! Its crazy to say but if I didn't have this forum as a support I would probably be having a smoke right now. I have had some really strange bazaar dreams. When do you guys think the anxiety will go away?

This is one of the hardest things I have overcame because my stress has to be dealt in a whole new way. I have just started breaking out in hives... I'm almost positive its due to stress. So having all these side effects from side effects is much better then getting lung cancer.

My apologies! Another rant, you all are going to see more feedback from me because it's really helping!

[nsd_user663_50410]

Hey Alicia! Keep posting on here, you're doing fantastically well! I too accept this challenge as a new lifestyle! I fell into the addiction 19 years ago when I saw a girl I liked smoking & though that if I did then she might think I was cool!:confused: She didn't even notice me! Try reading up on the internet some deep breathing exercises to combat the stress! Things will get better over time; there is a great thread on the 1yr+ page that has some really good advice!

[nsd_user663_47108]

Alicia, you rant away girl if it helps!

The most very special thing about this forum is that we are all in it together. We all want the same thing. Some are a long way down the line, some are just starting out and most are somewhere in between - doesn't matter we all have the same goal.

Never, ever, be afraid to post if there's something on your mind. There will be someone who knows exactly what you are talking about...

[nsd_user663_49734]

Hi Alicia,

I'm in the same boat. I'm no longer addicted to nicotine and I think alot of the habbit is slowly starting to fade out now too. The hardest thing for me is dealing with stress. i always used to resort to calming down by having a cig. Now I no longer smoke as soon as I get stressed i go tense and get awful headaches ( I never get headaches......ever. unless I'm hungover). keep up the good work though its well worth it in the end.

Tom

[Dippy_Egg]

Aliiciia......wonderfully well done on your quit so far. Quitting, as you so rightly point out, is definitely a challenge. There is no easy way (IMO). By admitting that and accepting that, I think it will become much easier for you. Easier to relax.....to allow it to be a difficult thing without fighting it too much........and to know for sure, because me, and many others can tell you from experience....with total honesty and certainty....IT DOES GET BETTER. I promise. Keep it up....and as others have said. Keep ranting. Its what we're here for.

One last thing to both you and Tommy. I found deep slow breathing invaluable against the stress and tension. So simple but so effective. In slowly through the nose maybe to a count of 5.....and an even slower exhalation through the mouth.

[nsd_user663_50610]

Thank you all so much for the positive feedback and encouragement! This helps so much and I mean it! I'm just a little worn out from the crazy dreams! Are nightmares apart of it? An eagle was diving at me in my front yard over and over trying to get me! I have never had a nightmare in my whole life! I'm so laughing As I type this though!

[nsd_user663_50109]

Hi.. This is a great forum I too think I would have bin smoking if it wasn't for some of the lovely members on here.. Iv bin smoke free for 66 days and Iv still got anxiety so iv bin asking that same question too when will it ever go.. It's not as bad as it was when I first started to have it.. But this week its bin terrible.. I'm just hoping this is the last of it :confused: