Busting Nicotine cravings.

[carlfree]

Day 30, still smoke free, but getting numerous strong feelings about the need for a cigarette. On reflection, it appears that those craving feelings, are no longer cravings, but merely memories of things I used to do with my old unwanted friend, nicotine. After a very short distraction and I mean short, less than a minute, I can push that old learned memory out of my mind & get on with my day. I have noticed that those thoughts of smoking are becoming less frequent, but they are definitely tied to things I used to do in the past, like relaxing after a meal or snack, with a cigarette. The thought of that right now, just makes me more determined to stay a NON-SMOKER.

For everyone out there wandering about cravings, they really do get easier to shrug off, the longer you have been a non-smoker. Just find a distraction, my son suggested that I use his fidget spinner every time I wanted a smoke. I know, it sounded that way to me too, but I really need something to do with my hands, so I gave it a try (combined with going outside for a minute). It is actually helping loads, thank you son for your suggestion.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome carlfree - congratulations on 1 month smoke free, well done!

Great first post, keep up that positive mindset, look forward to reading your progress

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

How is things now carlfree ?

[carlfree 9 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

The sadness is starting to subside, but i'm worn out trying to keep myself busy thank you

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

Ah, you must be experiencing the 'Icky 3's' or 'the blahs' - see below pinned post worth a read if not already done so:

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin...

Keep in touch and let us know how are you getting on when you can especially if struggling

[carlfree 9 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

It does appear that way, informative read, it's reassuring to know there is light at the end of the tunnel and it shouldn't last too long.

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

How are you getting on carlfree ?

[carlfree 9 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Still going strong, 41 days smoke free and counting. I am currently struggling with insomnia, but also accept that this is just another normal symptom that will pass. I can’t wait until I can finally sleep without waking on numerous occasions, again.

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

Yeah, the sleep disruption is a common withdrawal, it will get better, I promise. Well done, you are doing great

[carlfree 9 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thank you.

[ccurn]

“....memories of the things I used to do with a cigarette..” This is SO TRUE... it’s a mind game but as time goes by we are making new non smoking memories. A friend said to me “just remember that you CAN enjoy life without a cigarette... keep reminding yourself of that whenever a memory (craving) hits.

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

Very wise words from your friend ccurn - keep telling yourselves this over and over especially on bad days