Two weeks - and wondering when I will get my energy back

[KatNL]

Well two weeks off the smokes today. I'm still using the lowest patch and plan to stay on it for at least two more weeks (it's the only smoke aid I've used besides candy)

I've never eaten more junk food or watched more TV in my life. Im basically just working and sitting around. Unless Im out somewhere. Apparently I've also turned into a complaining cry baby. At least I'm sleeping deeply through the night.

I am usually a very active person and a healthy eater, but I just have such low energy . Also a feeling of ennui. I assume this is temporary. I've quit before - when I was pregnant. And stayed quit through nursing. It wasn't hard like this. But I think I always knew I would go back to smoking then.

I am not thinking that this time, so maybe that's the difference. Looking forward to feeling energetic and interested again. Any ideas when that could happen?

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Hey KatNL - everyone is different in their feelings and experiences so therefore, its hard to put a timeline on when things get better. Some say they start getting some sort of normality back around the 12 weeks mark, for me, it was around the 6 months mark. 🤧

The lack of energy, boredom, tiredness are all perfectly normal. We can do things to help with this such as drinking loads and loads of water, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary foods as tend to make us sluggish even if never smoked. When we stop we tend to blame everything that is going on with our bodies is due to stopping when it could be the weather, time of year etc... Its bitterly cold here in Ireland and snow is forecast and really couldn't be bothered going for my daily walk but delighted when I just get up and go out A trip to your local health food shop for herbal and vitamin supplements will help too. 🍏🍐🍎🍊🍋🍌🍅🍅🥦🥒🌽🥕

Are you still going to your running club, if so, keep at it, even if you don't feel like it, you will be happy and satisfied with yourself when you do it. 🤾‍♀️💪

[KatNL 6 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks. yes. I am blaming everything on quitting smoking. I had a very healthy lifestyle (except for smoking) before I quit and I have just kind of imploded for the past two weeks. I am probably making myself feel worse by eating junk and lying around. And feeling sorry for myself. I am in Newfoundland and today it is absolutely beautiful - cold and sunny. I felt great on my woods walk this morning. But crap about an hour after that was over. I publish a regional community newspaper and feel okay as long as Im out at meetings or working in some way. I have another thing to go to tonight so that's good. I have run club tomorrow night. I have to take the patch off to go. So the sooner they come off for good the better.

[KatNL 6 Months Smoke Free in reply to KatNL]

Also I have been trying to emancipate myself from a lot of old problems and worries this year. I hadn't intended to quit smoking so soon this year. But I did it when something happened to a friend so we could quit together. Im glad I did. And also glad I was already working on dealing with worries and anger and old issues. Smoking is a thing that creates a space between you and what you are worried about. Without the space it's important to know how to vanquish those things or live with them.

I haven't really been able to paint (something very important to me and something that I am making headway in) since I quit two weeks ago. I hope creativity springs back as well as energy. Thanks for having this space to write down all these quitting smoking thoughts.

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

You sound very much like myself when I stopped over 3 years ago now. I promise, you will continue to appreciate life, nature, healthy food etc... with this new found love.

I am still experiencing it every day and wait until summer comes, there is so much for you to appreciate. Enjoy every minute 🌻🌞

My anxiety levels dropped dramatically and stress levels tolerance increased when I stopped as I smoked solely to function in my daily life and prior to stopping I was in a very dark place. Stopping really shone that light for me again, just wish I done it years ago 😉

[KatNL 6 Months Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks for the beautiful response.

[Mummymonster 100 Days Smoke Free]

Hello Kat,

Strange business this. When I've stopped before I found I had almost manic levels of energy. I was looking forward to that bit. thought my life wold be organised for once. But no, I wanted to sit on the sofa watching telly. And I did.

One thing that has helped hugely is mindfulness and guided meditation, you may also find it useful with the other issues you mention. I use a free app called insight timer.

Somehow it clears the fog. And I am forcing myself to swim 3 times a week and walk a lot. I am beginning to get my energy levels back. But of course it is winter here, and we are programmed to hunker down a bit.

The creativity will return. I bet you were creative before you were a smoker!

Mmx

[Noenergynow 3 Months Smoke Free]

Same here!! At least you're sleeping better than me. Good luck!!