Thinking ahead

[Kelly-86]

Hi everyone, hope we are all enjoying the little bit of sunshine?!

I've been thinking about summer approaching, and trying to prepare myself for the temptation to smoke with the changing weather. I know I still associate certain things with smoking as I've not tackled them yet due to only been 70 odd days in. I think for me, I'll not be confident until 1 year has passed so I've "done" everything without smoking!

I used to really enjoy a smoke with a BBQ, or just sat in the park, on long drives to the beach etc etc. I have had a few random cravings today which I've dealt with by keeping busy.

My wedding is approaching so I'm determined to stay smoke free for that!

Anyone got any tips? 🙂

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Hello.

I don't think there is much you can do to avoid the triggers aside from being aware of them in advance. You just have to get through the first time of doing something without smoking that you previously associated with it. I have to remind myself that anything I did when I smoked, I can still do now I don't smoke.

[Kelly-86 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to mushen]

Thanks, that's really helpful, I love the last sentence especially!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Good to hear from you Kelly-86 - my advice would be to just embrace all the summer things you would have associated with smoking - you have so many benefits to look forward to, the smell of freshly cut lawn, flowers, summer rain, bbq's etc... - the cravings may be quite severe when they come and overcome it you won't have it again (well not as strong) so just be ready to attack!

[Kelly-86 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you- that's very true and I hadn't thought of it that way! Just got to look at the positives really.

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

It's great that you're thinking ahead about the possible triggers. You have already identified a few there so prepare yourself for some hard times when these situations come up. You may sail through them without a thought of a cigarette but at least if they do emerge you won't be caught off guard. Think about what you're going to do if a craving hits; similar to what you did in the first few weeks.

I found it very hard when the first heatwave hit last year (if such a thing exists in Newcastle). I remember going to the local shop and having to walk past all the people smoking and drinking outside the pub next door. It was agony! I also found my first holiday hard as I always associated holidays with smoking even more cigarettes than usual.

Excellent observation on feeling confident after a year!

[Kelly-86 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to Nozmo]

Thanks Nozmo- very helpful, I suppose in some ways it'll be like it was in the beginning, but not as intense. Just got to get used to more situations smoke free.

Ahh yes always hard walking past the smokers! Can't avoid things like that either.

Keep going eh!

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to Kelly-86]

Spot on - similar to the beginning but not as intense, couldn't have put it better myself. It's all a learning process.

And yeah; just keep going. If you do that you can't go wrong.

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Hi Kelly...With so much positives thoughts you are so prepared as can be... Well done and tell your fiance he is a very lucky man to get such a brave young women with such a positive mindset,,, You will succeed !!!

[Kelly-86 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to Hercu]

Ahh thank you very much! 😊😊

[kpulliam78 2 Years Smoke Free]

This is what I'm currently experiencing as well. I keep telling myself I will enjoy all these moments more without the smoke. The nostalgic cravings kind of make me sad when they come, but it's just part of it. I certainly have more money to go places and enjoy this lovely weather,so there's that I can breathe better going for walks. I can smell the air better. There's a whole lot of good that makes it all worth it. It's completely normal and we will get through it

[Kelly-86 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to kpulliam78]

I think that's a really good way to look at it, in a positive way. Yep, we certainly will get there, I'm going to busy myself in the garden today and then take my son to play football- make the most of the spring sunshine!

[kpulliam78 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to Kelly-86]

I think doing things that aren't really compatible with smoking might be helpful too, like your gardening/football. Funny how we'd go outside to enjoy the fresh spring air, then smoke:). Think I'll try a hike today. I'm curious to see what my stamina is like now.

[Kelly-86 2 Years Smoke Free in reply to kpulliam78]

Yeah, exactly sounds good, have a lovely day! 👍