Day one again

[Roxie80]

I hope this is the last time I have to say this. I realized when after smoking a cigarette it doesn’t change how I feel . In fact it makes me feel worse. I have to change my way of thinking and count my blessings. I truly appreciate your support.

[Beach66]

Hi Rosie, I feel your pain but don't despair. I joined here a good while ago saying lots about how this was it this time and then failed and disappeared.

Good news though, I've now stopped since 3rd August and feel positive as I believe I have found the mental switch required to get the job done.

Every time I would light up I spent the whole time thinking about what I was doing to myself and repeatedly told myself.......this is disgusting, it smells, it's expensive, it's antisocial, it's killing me. So instead of reinforcing the message, Oh, I really miss smoking, I could really enjoy a fag now, I brainwashed myself with the truth.

I still do it today. When I see someone smoke I say to myself I'm so glad to be away from that now and reinforce all the good reasons again and smile.

Hope this helps. Good luck

[Beach66 in reply to Beach66]

Forgot to mention that also in the beginning I used quickmist cool berry for a few weeks only when I needed it being mindful not to swap addictions. When I first tried it I thought I'm not a fan of that, I don't like it but told myself I'm not supposed to, it's there as a tool and took the cravings away very quickly when I needed it in the early days.

Nothing wrong with a bit of help if it gets you over the line. Even now helping others helps me reinforce the good stuff again although I don't really think about smoking now.

The stand out message is. "Reinforcement",

If it helps you also please pass on the advise.

Each one, Teach one !

[Roxie80 in reply to Beach66]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I am on day 4 now and using NRT lozenges for a couple of weeks. I also recite out loud every half hour affirmations that remind me I don’t want to be a smoker. Hope you are doing well.

[Beach66 in reply to Roxie80]

Hi Roxie, I'm all good thanks.

Well done for taking the hardest step and that's getting started. Sounds like the lozenges are helping you just got to beat the psychological addiction, your subconscious.

I think changing your mindset is the biggest part of the battle.

Put some really horrible smoking related diseases pictures on your phone and when your tempted look them up and carry on telling yourself why your doing it and the addiction won't last forever.

Keep it up 😊👏👏

[Roxie80 in reply to Beach66]

I think you are right about the psychological addiction. My brain wants the nicotine more than my body. I got the app called calm which teaches you mindfulness and many other helpful things like meditation along with relaxing music. I have a great deal of anxiety so looking at pictures would probably freak me out. You are kind to help me and I really appreciate it. Are you in London? I’m in the USA. Hopefully we will get a vaccine to stop the pandemic. I don’t like being cooped up. I’m sure you don’t either. Take care and I hope to hear from you again

[Beach66 in reply to Roxie80]

Hi Roxie from the USA. I'm David and live just south of London. Sorry to hear about your anxiety, what a nasty thing to bare.

Different strokes for different folks with regards to what works for who. I also found concentrated breathing helps alot.....Take a deep breath, hold for a count of four and exhale slowly for a count of seven.

Repeat this as necessary. Also try watching positive affirmation videos on YouTube and as before make it habit and keep reinforcing the good stuff. "You are what you think you are".

Might sound silly to some but really has worked for me. Also protect yourself and your environment. Get rid of negative things including people if there are any in your life. Surround yourself with happy people and try not to be a victim of social media overload.

Reset to the simple stuff....long walks, relaxing music, meditation.

Practice loving yourself !

It's back to brainwashing yourself until those good thoughts become habit.

Remember "nobody is better than you".

I believe if you do the above you will, in time, push back the anxiety and achieve a new happier you.

You got this Roxie! I believe in you because you're here and trying 😊

[Roxie80 in reply to Beach66]

Thank you so much. Your reply really brought me to tears. I am on day 5. I say affirmations every half hour to change my mindset. I found Calm in the Apple store. Beginning to learn meditation, confidence, deep breathing etc.. your suggestions have really inspired me. I used to travel and I have been to London a couple of times. Great place. Hope the virus leaves us soon. I heard Europe had a second wave. Here in Nebraska the cases keep climbing. I hope you have a wonderful day!

[Beach66 in reply to Roxie80]

Hello again Roxie,

so glad you're getting some comfort from this. Day 5 already for you. All those baby steps starting to turn into a big deal already.

Feel proud of yourself knowing what a big thing it is to stop this very strong addiction. Try not to waste too much of your time worrying about covid. It is, what it is , so just do all the common sense stuff and one day soon it will be behind us. We have all the best brains in the world fighting it with vaccines already at 90% positive.

Be happy Roxie and enjoy every day.

😀🖖 Live long & prosper

[Roxie80 in reply to Beach66]

Thanks David. You are right we shouldn’t worry about things we have no control over I am proud of myself for not smoking. Hope you will be happy today too.

[Beach66 in reply to Roxie80]

The pursuit of happiness is what lifes all about. Be strong and keep going 💪 🚭

[Roxie80 in reply to Beach66]

I will be strong