Please don't feel overwhelmed when you log on for the first time. They have recently changed the format and we're still trying to get used to it. Reminds me of when you get a change in your eyeglasses prescription. It takes a few days to get everything in focus, but then you see so much clearer. Or when you finally get a new position and your first day is looming ahead, you are in the guarded stage because you don't know what's to come.
And, ya know, quitting smoking is just like that. I remember back a year or more ago when I finally came to the decision to quit. I've had enough. I can't breathe. I don't like these daily headaches and dizzy spells. I said over and over for months before that, "I've got to cut down. I should really quit smoking." I too was the road warrior. They're not taking my cigarettes away from me. Why I felt the need to cling on to them, I have no clue. I didn't need them to make me look cool anymore. For Pete's sake, I was 56 years old at the time. I think the cool stage has left the building.
Most people ask me if I'm still quit and they just say, I can't quit right now. I'm under too much stress. My response back is always, but isn't life always stressful or is it just the way you perceive it to be that way. I mean really, does that cigarette really take the stress away? Does it really truly relax you? Have you noticed that no more than 10 minutes later you're stressed out again?
Take the time on here and go through the steps of tracking your cigarettes, understanding what nicotine is and what is does to your brain. I know you've heard about what it does to your body constantly on TV and social media, news print. But really zone in on what it does in your brain, what makes you keep coming back for more, what makes it so hard to quit. Once you get the grasp on that, it all falls into place. Sure you're going to go through being super crabby, really tired, foggy, loss of concentration, really gassy, some have restless leg, sleep patterns that won't seem to get back on track. But trust me, it doesn't last forever. The physical symptoms are gone within 2 to 4 weeks and the fog lifts after about 4 months. Compare that to how many years you've been smoking, that short of time is doable.
If you have to take a drive in your car those first few weeks and scream your full head off, then do it. Take lots of walks, clean your house/apartment, wash your windows, ceiling fans, walls. Just keep repeating to yourself, nope, nope, nope. Hold off for ten minutes, distract yourself for ten minutes, betcha that craving went away. Trust me, it doesn't last forever. This isn't your final sentence. This is the beginning of your life. You'll be amazed how many things you've been missing out on. In my case I've lived in my house for 28 years and there was a lilac tree across the street. I never smelled it. This summer was the first time and it was heaven.
Be sure to reach out to members if you're having problems. Be sure to type in the word HELP or I'm struggling. Trust me someone will be there to help you along the way because we've all been there/done that. Let's help you get there
