I really thought I was past the hardest part.

[redluvr]

I'm 15d 5h 38m into my quit as I write this. For the past few days, I've noticed that any cravings or negative thoughts I experience have been trending downward. Today was mostly no different, but my mother and I exchanged a few harsh words this afternoon and it upset me. Since then, I've felt sad and weakened. The stress of today makes me feel similar to the way during the first few days of my quit, i.e., unstable and fearful of failing. 

Does anyone have tips for handling stress-induced setbacks? I'm still entirely committed to quitting for good, but I hate the idea that some external factor could make me feel this vulnerable.

[marciem]

15 days is WONderful, redluvr‌ !! Congrats to you!!!   Know that stress of harsh words can be a huge trigger,. and you passed with flying colors!!

The path to smoke-freedom is not linear, at least it wasn't for me.  I learned to think of it as kind of a dance... two steps forward, one to the side, one more forward, now back and to the side, forward again, forward again, now back cha cha cha.  Straight it is not, narrow it is !

Once you get further down the path it straightens out, smooths out, and is an easy road to stay on.  Not so much in the first while.  You're only just done with Hell week and Heck week, and stepping right into WTF week (what is going on here?) so you are exactly where you belong!

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Feeling weak doesn't mean you need to smoke. Life is an up and down experience.

You control how you deal with your emotions, not cigarettes.

[Barbscloud]

Big congrats on 15 days smoke free.  Look at how many people here reached out with advice and encouragement.  That's because we believe in you.  There are some great meditations on YouTube (I like Jason Stephenson-he has the most calming voice) to help you relax.  Always remember, this is your quit and you can do it.

Barb

[Giulia]

FYI, Jackie, that link doesn't exist.  JACKIE1-25-15

Not sure which breathing thing Jackie was going to put up, but here's one:  

As far as being past the hardest part, the reality of this journey is that it's changeable.  Some days we're zooming along quite happily and then suddenly we get slapped in the face by a few hours of craving.  That's just the nature of addiction, I think.  And the longer you stay on the quit side, the more you'll learn to accept the truth of that and not be surprised when it occurs.  /blogs/Giulia-blog/2015/02/23/expectations-timelines-and-the-reality-you-create    Head to the Relapse Prevention‌ group and do some reading in there.  It will help reinforce your commitment and show you you're not alone. 

[Beck37]

Congrats on the 15 days. You would probably be feeling badly about the argument with your mom whether you were smoking or not. No one likes conflict, especially with those we love. You are so new to this whole quit journey and are going to be faced with so many first times of dealing with things smoke free. Believe it or not it won’t be that bad if you’ve truly made the decision to quit. 

Life is going to happen, good and bad. During these early days cut yourself some slack and be gentle with yourself. During the tougher times take some deep breaths. Know this to will pass. Look around at all your blessings and focus on them.  This truly is a journey. 

Continue to make yourself proud and repeat “I am truly amazing”!

Beck

[maryfreecig]

To learn to deal with stress, you take it one day at a time. I look for wisdom in others and try to remember it for a blue day. The more you stay smober through evens that bother you, the stronger you get. Congratulations on your 15-16 days. Keep it coming.

[Ohheck]

I'm only on day 8, but i'm taking a tai chi (sp) at the local recreation center and highly recommend it for helping relieve stress.  Calming exercises and breathing techniques.  It's not a cure all but helps!