Day 4 :/

[Tcbear]

Day 4 of my quit and the anxiety is almost overwhelming. Came here to read and speak to try and overcome. I'm still very much determined. Passed 2 major hurdles last night- drinking and a nice dinner w/o cigs. Feeling pretty good about that but know I've a long ways to go and many more hurdles to clear. 

[YoungAtHeart]

I don't need any luck.  I have been quit for 4 1/2 years and have spent that time here reading about others' experiences and lending a hand where I can.   What I believe is that you should forego triggering associations for the first few weeks.

That being said, you know yourself better than anyone - so I will wish YOU luck!  I sincerely hope you are successful.

Nancy

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Congratulations on 4 days .  Quitting smoking is not easy but it is quite "doable"and  it takes work., We have to learn what our triggers are and avoid them until we are stronger.   I am very happy that you are still smoke free after drinling so early on in a quit.  Some people test themselves too soon and fail.  3-4 days is not the time to indulge in alcohol because it make is harder to stay smokefree.  In the past I would wonder why I couldn't quit and others could.  Now I know.  I did not educate myself.   Please take the time to read the suggested material and work towards staying smoke free.  The quitting is easy, staying free takes work determination and eliminating people places and things that may cause us to relapse.  

[Daniela2016]

You are already being challenged by the cravings, why challenging yourself more?  Changing things around to help traversing the hardest weeks it is what many of us did.  I walked away from the place where the crave hit, I did not deny myself any other kind of cravings (chocolate for instance, even though I am overweight and knew I will gain weight).  But I made quitting my first priority, and did whatever it took to change my mindset, to take me in any other direction but smoking.

Nancy is our advocate in not drinking too much on weekends, too many of the people she met here over the years lost their quit because of alcohol!  I do not drink, so I can't speak in good conscience about it, but I know I lost a 6 months quit to the "just one".  That became 2, and 3 and soon enough I was smoking full time again. It only took me 15years to attempt to quit again, but I have done it now, and changing old habits for new ones helped me a lot. 

Daniela 331 (Days of Freedom)

[Tcbear]

Thank you all for your support and advice it IS much appreciated. 

Differences in how strengths are accumulated are as numerous as the differences between people themselves. Non of which makes any right or wrong. Just different. The more options gathered are that many more weapons to fight the nico-ego with.   

Yes.... To each their own. 

May we all continue our success in our battles and or maintaining the peace foe those who have won the war. 

[plug66]

we all gotta do things our own way.....the hurdles are many, and they pop up at the most inopportune times.....we just breathe and stay strong....it can be done and won  

[Thomas3.20.2010]

What impresses me, TC, is that you came here speaking of needing support overcoming overwhelming anxiety but have politely rejected the advice offered. I'm at a loss of what support means to you....

Best wishes! I'd like to see you Succeed!

[Tcbear]

Not quite sure how you read into my replies as an outright rejection. Maybe because I chose to be public about what i agree and don't agree with what will work for me? Honesty is my best policy. Not meant to be taken personally. I want to see every body succeed in this difficult quest. Forgive me if I don't believe that every bodies advice is appropriate for every body. If I mention an alternative, and it helps somebody stay quit for 1 more day, then it's a win win

[Thomas3.20.2010]

To what do you attribute your anxiety?

[Tcbear]

When anxiety hits, it probably has a lot to do with going without a cigarette for 3.5 days. Sometimes the nico-ego gains an upper hand. 

[Thomas3.20.2010]

I relieve anxiety with deep breathing, exercise - especially yoga, mindfulness meditation, muscle relaxation, and focusing on something other than the stresser - like football. Eating healthy crunchy vegetables and fruit also supports anxiety relief. I also use the methods mentioned in /blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2015/05/11/defuse-your-addictive-thoughts?sr=search&searchId=eccd7d5b-aa...‌ I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you.