Day 3 any advice?

[Jodylee98271]

I am using a patch. But craving really bad this am.  Smoked for 46 years.  This is my first successful attempt. Never gone one day before. Thank you

[MichelleDiane]

Congratulations on 3 days jodylee98271.  It's a journey no doubt, but not impossible.  I live by the saying "One day at a time" and "keep it simple".  If I do that then I don't get overwhelmed.  Keep coming to this site.  It has been a source of strength and encouragement for me and I think it will be very helpful to you.

Regards,

Michelle

[Jodylee98271]

Thank you

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[Jodylee98271]

Thank you

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[CommunityAdmin]

Abbreviations & Expressions Used in the EX Community‌ Might be helpful to you as well.

Mark
EX Community Manager

[Giulia]

Welcome to Day 5.   I've found it really helpful to keep an open mind during this journey.  We have a saying here "take what you need and leave the rest."  People are giving their best advice based upon their own personal experiences.  We tend to emphasize education because it has helped so many, including ourselves.  The more you understand the nature of this addiction and your own relationship with it, the better able you will be to overcome it.  

I found these comments very uplifting:  

"Your about to embark on a WONDERFUL SUPPORTIVE JOURNEY......just you wait and see....

YOU GOT THIS!!!!"

We each interpret things in our own way.  Sometimes the things we don't want to hear are the things we're most in need of hearing.  

One of the things that helped me was to keep up a sense of humor.  Humor enables us to take a necessary step back and gain a new perspective.  Not all techniques work for everybody.  Part of our homework is to experiment with different suggestions, discover what works and cling to it.  Obviously you're doing something right since you've made it this far.  Keep doing it!

[Jodylee98271]

Hi

I understand whst you are saying but is that really how you felt the first few days? If so I must be the o nly one having a hard time. I was looking for support for cravings and read a book when Im at work or driving is not a viable solution.

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[MichelleDiane]

Hi  jodylee98271.  The first week is generally hard for most.  Maybe even two to three weeks.  In the first few days of my quit I really practiced not thinking about the future.  Anything further than in that hour was way too much for me. I found myself scared, uncertain, and even angry.  I chewed a lot of gum and drank a lot of water.  I found that driving to work was challenging as I would pass many stores that I could just pull over and but cigarettes from.  It took a lot of determination to keep driving, but after a week I was able to do it a little easier.  In my car I would talk to myself and tell myself it would be okay and it will pass.  I would ask my higher power to help me through.  I found at other times I would pray, meditate, or get busy doing something.  It could be straightening closets or even cleaning my fish tank (the fish were a little upset because I didn't let much algae grow).  What ever you have to do other than smoke is the answer for you.  We all have different things we do, but we all have many things in common.  The common thread is that we are all nicotine addicts who are trying stop smoking.  You can do this, but patience is important because it takes time.  That may not be reassuring or it may even seem that we minimize the difficulty.  It couldn't be further from the truth.  Everyone here totally understands the challenge.  Be good to yourself and find something within what was mentioned here that may help.  If something doesn't work for you try something else.   Hope this was helpful.

Regards,

Michelle

[Jodylee98271]

Thank you

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[anaussiemom]

There are no miracle cures.

  One baby step at a time, Most important Breathhhhhhe Innnnnnnnnn Hooooooope.   Breathe often it will calm your anxiety.  Use distractions.  Look at Giulia   101 things to do to distract> It will help with withdraws and all the other crap your feeling.

[Barbscloud]

 Sorry, I'm a little late welcoming you to the Ex.  and congratulations on day 5.  Just reading everyone's responses, it is all good advice.  I'm a newbie also at 57 day of not smoking.  I'v have tried numerous times and what has truly made the difference is the support I've received on this website.  I'm not a blogger either--kind of been learning as I go.  I'm also using NRT (nicotrol inhalers).  Since I've had the luxury of reading all this responses together, I think you got off on the wrong foot.  It probably would have helped to have read some of this material in preparation of  quitting.  In the mist of  craving and really needing a cigarette, the last thing you want to do is read a book.  But you're on your way now, so just know there are wonderful folks here to help you if needed.  Asking for help,has saved my quit several times.  If you're not doing so already, sign up for the Daily Pledge not to smoke each day.  It really helps you stay the course one day at a time.

There are some long time Elders ( over a year of not smoking), as well as newer folks, who have lots of good advice to share.  Just knowing that there is someone on this site that can empathize with whatever you're experiencing, will help keep your quit going.  

Stay close.  It you want to quit, this is the place to be.