Where is my energy?

[Mphunte]

Tomorrow will be 100 days smoke free. While I'm happy in a lot of ways, still so depressed.........no flipping energy. Please tell me it gets better.

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Hello there.

After being smoke free for 100 days, the way you are feeling is highly unlikely to be connected to quitting smoking. By now, your body will have adjusted to life without nicotine. If you are depressed that can manifest itself as a lack of energy. Equally it could be many things causing the problem such as diet, time of year, not getting enough sleep or broken sleep, stress.

It's really easy to attribute everything to quitting smoking. The danger in this train of thought is being fooled into thinking that maybe starting again would solve the problem. After 3 months, whatever is causing the problem, it won't be a lack of nicotine.

If it's any consolation, when I quit, I experienced none if the tangible benefits others seem to. No increased energy, no coughing (or not), don't feel any different at all, exercise never seems to be any easier, skin looks the bloody same, same rubbish sleep patterns and food tastes no different. I have to say, I found this all rather disappointing. 😊

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hey Mphunte - good to hear from you! What you are experiencing appears to be 'the blahs' or 'Icky Threes' when we stop which is normal. see below pinned post worth a read if not already done so:

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin... -threes***

Drink loads of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine and get out for a bit of a walk daily to clear the head. The time of year could be attributing to lack of energy and feeling down. Look forward to a New Year now smoke free, I promise things will get better Wishing you a happy Christmas, keep in touch with us.....

[Quit4Money 1 Year Smoke Free 9 Months Smoke Free]

Oh no, what's going on? Usually quitting smoking gives us more energy. Are you eating okay? Do you need to walk more to get those endorphins going? Has your social circle changed because all your friends smoked? I want to tell you it gets better, but you might have to unpack things a bit more and see what other aspects of your lifestyle need some tender loving care? Congrats on over three months and reaching the 100 day mark, and for hanging on despite crappy feelings.

[gggg123 7 Years Smoke Free]

No it doesn't get better because nicotine is a stimulant. It raises your metabolism and also acts as an anti depressant. It's also part of the deadly nightshade family and is a poison.

Sorry but that's the reality of being addicted to drugs.