I used smoking in the past as a method of self soothing. It has been a challenge to figure out other ways to sooth.
I was thinking about this yesterday as we drove in the freezing fog for 10 hours. Why would smoking be soothing? I've heard many people (raises hand to be included) who have said that they smoked when stressed. That is calmed them down.
I've seen the actual science on this, and know that smoking actually increases stress.
So why would so many of us feel like smoking helps with stress? Probably because of withdrawal.
I know I was never in a position to be a chain smoker. I could only smoke every 3 to 4 hours. Your body goes into withdrawal almost immediately after you finish a cigarette. By the time I could smoke, the withdrawal was intense. That first puff on a cigarrette brought immediate relief from the withdrawal symptoms. That feeling of relief is just like a feeling of comfort. We have conditioned our bodies to seek a cigarette when we want stress relief because smoking gave us releif from withdrawal.
This was an AHa moment for me, because I am still looking for the feeling of comfort and relief.
Not sure how I am going to fix this - or maybe it's just a matter of outlasting it.
Knowing is always helpful.
Merry Christmas, all y'all
Keep the quit
PT
