Why? Why? Why?

[nadavat]

Is feeling tired and lazy normal 5 1/2 weeks after quit? Since I've come back from my vacation I feel sad, tired and lazy and not able to focus on anything...thoughts anyone?

[Putter 1000 Days Smoke Free]

Hi nadavat , congrats on 5 1/2 weeks smoke free. Pat yourself on the back and give yourself a big hug (if you like hugs) I'm a hugger and they always make me feel better.

Looking back at my own quit I too was really sad all the time. I didn't feel like I could put a complete sentence together. I forgot things and felt mentally incompetent. I was lucky to be able to recognize these as my personal side effects of the nicotine withdrawal and feeling like I lost my best friend! I soon figured out with the help of all my supporters here in this forum that smoking was not my friend at all. It was my enemy 😱 It was killing my slowly all day everyday. At first I didn't believe it but I knew deep down my friends would never make me feel like I was feeling. Everyone was right, smoking was not my friend!!!!!

I was still sad at times but I took comfort in things like exercising and working through the pain of it ( I gained a lot of weight in my first few months). I started binge watching some really great shows on Netflix and stopped beating myself up. I learned to love myself-the new me, the non smoking me. I pampered myself a little every day and took lots of time outs. I cried soo much, all the time. I was ok with it tho as I felt it was a deep soul cleansing. I felt super supported.

I began smelling things 'a little over the top' but really smelling things like my morning coffee ☕️, the rain ☔️ my husband's cologne. Things that made me happy... I reminded myself everyday that I was strong and congratulated myself on another day smoke free. From then things really did improve for me. I only feel sad sometimes now and usually it is because there is something to be sad about. Im very emotional and have been all my life.

I feel empowered now and have so much more energy. I enjoy going out and doing things (with non smokers- I'm not that comfortable yet). I'm a new person. Give yourself time. You should start feeling different in a few more weeks. I would definitely mention your feelings to your doctor tho and stay connected.

All the best💗

Wanda

[nadavat 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Putter]

Thank you so much!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Putter]

Excellent reply and advice Wanda, you're on this journey for the long haul - have no doubt about that - great read and delighted for you

[Putter 1000 Days Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you RoisinO1 ❤️

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Evening nadavat - take on Wanda's words above as she has it summed up perfectly.

This sad feeling is normal at this stage of your quit and will pass but you have to help yourself - I know this time of year can leave us feeling tired and lazy too but get yourself something to focus on - with Christmas around the corner, set some goals and nice things to do in preparing for it - a bit of exercise every day will do wonders too for clearing the mind and water, it was my savior in the early stage of my quit - drink loads of water.

Also, get your mind set to that you are achieving something great, becoming a non-smoker, now what a Christmas present that is for you!

Again, if things don't improve or get worse, have a chat with your doctor or maybe get some herbal supplements, post anytime you need to, we are all here for you

[nadavat 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you😊

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Hello! Perhaps it is a combination of things that leave you feeling this way. This time of year certainly does nothing for how I feel or my energy levels. I am constantly stalked by the 'I can't be bothered ' feeling. Also, having reached 5 1\2 weeks into your quit, the 'novelty' phase is now well and truly over and you are just getting on with it. I found it all pretty bleak. Almost as if you are mourning the loss of something. The excitement (if you can call it that), of quitting with all the energy required to resist the cravings in the beginning does focus the mind. I felt like I was actively 'doing something' all the time. However, after a month when things have calmed down, it all became a bit boring and I think this can leave you feeling a bit lost.

You will get back to normal, just hang in there. In the meantime, self medicate by treating yourself. You must have saved some money that could be put to good use by spending it on something that will help to lift your mood (even if only for a little while). For example, I was feeling pretty rubbish today having had a crap week so treated all 6 felines to a new blanket for their beds! Ah, it is the little things!

[nadavat 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to mushen]

Thanks Mushen! I really appreciate your thoughts👍🏻