Day 11 cravings

[LawnRanger]

for some reason the cravings today have been stronger.....and yes I am wearing my patch!

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Hi Lawnranger, This is normal to get stronger cravings some days more than others, I will post the cravings post i put on a couple of weeks ago. may help. I apologise if you have already read it.

Dealing with Cravings

Even though you’ve officially quit smoking, the urge to smoke may come and go. Many times, cravings can result from being hungry, angry, lonely, tired, or bored. Think back to your triggers for smoking and use your action plan for how you’ll deal with cravings and keep the tips below in mind to help you through them. Remember that trying something to beat the urge is always better than trying nothing.

Keep other foods around that can help you get through a craving. Try carrots, pickles, sunflower seeds, apples, celery, raisins, licorice or sugarfree gum.

Wash your hands when you have an intense craving.

Stay busy, especially with activities that use your hands.

Don’t get down on yourself.

Think positively and find healthy outlets for stress or anger. If something bothers you, learn to relax quickly by taking deep breaths. Take 10 slow, deep breaths and hold the last one. Then breathe out slowly.

Picture a soothing, pleasant scene. Think only about that peaceful image and nothing else.

Light incense or a candle instead of a cigarette.

Go outside, or move to a different room. Try changing what you are doing.

Remember, having just one cigarette will hurt. Don’t allow yourself to go down the path of justifying the urge to smoke. It will undo the work, commitment and progress you’ve made thus far.

Months or Years After You’ve Quit

Cravings can pop up even after you’ve been smoke-free for months or even years. What if you do smoke? The difference between a slip and a relapse – going back to smoking as you used to – is within your control. You can use the slip as an excuse to go back to smoking, or you can look at what went wrong, learn from what happened, and renew your commitment to staying smoke-free.

If you do relapse, try not to get too discouraged. Quitting smoking is difficult and it takes most people several attempts before they quit for life. What’s important is understanding what helped you in your attempt to quit and what worked against you. You can then use this information to make a stronger attempt at quitting the next time.

It’s important to remember that substituting other forms of tobacco, like low tar/nicotine cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipes or cigars is not a safe alternative to smoking. These products contain nicotine, are harmful to your health, and do not reduce your risk of smoking-related disease.

[LawnRanger 3 MONTH WINNER in reply to jillygirl]

Thank you Jillygirl and no I hadn't already read it. Still have no Idea why the cravings were so strong today, used the spray again today which helped. My Golden Retriever had a manicure and pedicure from me tonight which kept me occupied, he has very ticklish feet and goes mad at the sight of nail clippers, so I have to file his nails!....spoilt pooch that he is. I also have to clip the fur from his pads as he is 12 now and slips on the tiled floor sometimes...he needs the grip. This takes me well over an hour to do so killed time before being Taxi to daughter at 1 am....hence the late reply. Have also been eating clementines which are also labour intensive as I don't like the pith. Haven't got to the knitting stage yet!! Went to light a candle and can't find any lighters anywhere! even the long candle one. Many thanks again for your support, have a good weekend.

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer]

Hi ya Ranger

I am over 12 weeks quit now, but last night, flippin Nic had a go at me !! but sorted it Today, no nic had an easy pesey day

This quitting is funny, cos the first few days, nic is getting at you which we all expect, then as we progress, it gets less and less THEN one day he is their again weird or what !!

Mr Nic is a stubborn son-of-a-gun and when you just let your guard down, he strikes !! I think that is why a lot of people relapse, cos they think they have beat nic and relax their focus on their quit !! myself included

Your doing ever so well gal you keep fighting nic eh, and dont you give in try thumping a cushion, a breathing exercise, go outside and have a yelllllllll, kick the lawnmower, or even whip hubby !! erm, no to that one cos he might like it eh Get the anger out of your system

Am just wondering, if you have been anywhere today, that you used to smoke alot ?? orrrrrrr reminded you of it ??

Erm, am not sure whether I have helped or hinderd you Please try to stay positive and focused on your quit

Take care now

[LawnRanger 3 MONTH WINNER in reply to monky]

Oh you made me laugh Monky! no, not been anywhere or done anything that I haven't it the last 11 days. I have used the spray again today which helped, just odd that the craving was stronger today! I still haven't been in a situation where I am with someone who smokes....not avoiding it but realize now that I was very much in the minority by smoking. On my second autobiography this week, Jewnnifer Saunders was very good and now onto John Bishop. Keeps me busy turning the pages and a light hearted read. Appetite has increased and so has my sense of smell......making sure that I walk the dog everyday for a little more exercise..having a fag in your mouth when it's time to use a poo bag is ok..that's how I know about my sense of smell

Still finding the most difficult time for me is after my evening meal, that one I really enjoyed with a huge mug of coffee (de-caf).

My son plays the drums, as I did years ago, so I can always release some tension that way if needed! or the other theraputic thing for me is chopping down shrubbery...and I get paid for it!

Thanks again for your support, have a good weekend.

[EmJay Partner]

How are getting along today LawnRanger?

I hope your day has been filled with lots of book reading, drum rolling and puppy dog pampering and you are all set and ready for a nice chillaxing Saturday night

[LawnRanger 3 MONTH WINNER]

Hi EmJay, as you can probably tell the insomnia is still a problem!

Not as bad today thanks, but don't think that my willpower/stubborness is as great at the moment, just thankful that no-one around me smokes. Back to see the nurse on Monday morning for my 2 week assessment....that sounds good...2 weeks!

Have set myself the challenge of bathing our 12year old Golden Retriever tomorrow, bless him he can't work out why I am not going outside with him anymore (except for walks). So that could likely turn into a 2 hour job by the time that he is bathed and dried with a hairdryer!...he loves it

Onwards....nearly at the 2 week mark....to be honest the time does seem to have gone quickly