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Share your quitting journey

Dopamine

YoungAtHeart
Member
1 4 22
‎01-10-2016 09:38 AM

Dale's blog reminded me  that not only do we need to change our routines - but we also need to find other sources for the hit of dopamine we were getting from a cigarette.

There are LOTS of different ways to get dopamine.  Exercise is probably the best, I think.  Something as simple as a few trips up and down the stairs will work, or a few jumping jacks....anything that gets your heart rate up a bit will do the trick.  When you take a walk, swing your arms!  You can also sing out loud or dance to your favorite music or  eat a bit of chocolate.  I understand just looking at pictures of dessert food releases it .Sex also supplies dopamine (@puff - be careful!).

You are relearning your life as a non-smoker, and substituting new things is part of the process!

Nancy

4 Comments
About the Author
I smoked until a vascular surgeon informed me of the damage I had done to myself by doing so. I quit 11 years ago, and I can swim laps virtually FOREVER now, walk most other days 40 minutes to an hour and a half. What a difference quitting has made in my life! I strive to help others find this wonderful freedom from addiction, too.