Has anyone seen my enthusiasm??

[gettem]

So, I'm still working on my quit smoking plan.  I've been reading Carr's Easy Way and have been reading all of your blogs as much as possible.  In addition, I've been really trying to be aware of myself and my feelings when I do smoke.  Do I really enjoy this?  Is this really worth it?  I'm trying.

Anyway, I have so many questions!  I remember when I was a teenager (before I went to college), I had so much energy!  I went to school all day, got awesome grades, worked two jobs, kickboxed regularly, and would run around doing this or that, just because.  I know that younger folks have more energy, but I feel like a total slug (and I'm only 29).  So, my question is this: Did any of you feel that your energy increased once you quit smoking?  

I feel that I have such low energy that I don't even care!  I mean, I go to class and work, but only because I have to.  I procrastinate on school work, and I really have to rev myself up to do things that should be standard (clean the house, shower/hair/makeup/etc, go to the grocery (which is about a 2 minute drive from my house), etc).  I just feel that I do not have any enthusiasm / motivation / passion / energy to live the life I want to live.  

I also have no routine.  I only work a few days per week, have classes at different times on different days, etc.  I would love to wake up early, go for a walk/run, put at least a little effort into my appearance, have a healthy breakfast, and complete the day's tasks without feeling like I'm dragging myself around and not enjoying a single minute of it.  I used to feel like the day and evening went on forever.  There was plenty of time to complete all necessary tasks, some leisurely tasks, and still have time to unwind and reflect.  Now, I blink my eyes, the day is over, and I have nothing to show for it.

I certainly don't mean to sound like a total bummer here.  I do have some fun in my life, and I have a million things to be happy about and grateful for.  I just wish that my DRIVE would come back to me!  I never relax... I'm always anxious and have a million things running through my head at the same time.  Before I know, the entire day has passed and I've done nothing.  I've not accomplished anything and I've not enjoyed my day.  Even when I'm sitting or with friends or doing anything, my mind feels like it's in a hurry (though I certainly don't MOVE like I'm in a hurry).  

Can anyone relate to this feeling?  If so, did quitting improve your situation?  Please give me some hope!  Haha.  

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend, and thank you for your support!  Congratulations to all of you who are having a smoke-free Saturday!

[newlife5]

sounds like you have a bit of depression...yuo need to get organized... set a specific time to get out of bed  a specific time to go to be,eat,so you can plan and no what to expect any given time...once you can do that and i dont mean military style, .. once you can do that  you can plan playtime accordinly  you would be surprissed how easily you cn motivate yorurself...

if you cant do that you may have to see your doctor to find out if you need assistance... sometimes once you have your quit awhile  the depression goes away..

smoking  affects our emotions  very much... i know im much happier than i have ever been

[Ex_Nancy]

Smoking doesn't make ANYTHING better and it CAUSES STRESS and saps your strength....not the best way to live, is it?

[molly14]

My smoking cessation counselor said that once you quit smoking, you can absorb more oxygen, so you're energy level goes up.  I agree with Izzy, sounds like you might benefit from an anti-depressant.  Make time to do things that rev your energy over the long term, like sleep right, breath deep without a cigarette, eat right and most of all do a little or a lot of exercise.  I found that with cigarettes, I was on an energy rollercoaster, lots of highs and lows and when I would hit a low from not smoking, what was I left with?  A toxic body and lungs that didn't work.  Now that I've quit, I find there's a happy medium.  Alot of what you feel when you quit depends on the person, the method of quitting as well as their attitude, relationships and environment.  But I can say that I feel better smoke free today.

[jeannie2]

When I quit I instantly had the most energy....and still do after 2years.....you gotta quit first...smoking drags you, wastes you, kills you and i hate it with a passion. You can plan on that.....it isn't much other than a decision....you either smoke or you quit....once you make up your mind your body follows and your health. Its great

[karma]

I was treated for anxiety with Welbutrin and later when I asked my physician for something to help quit smoking she told me that the Welbutrin would work for that, as well. 

I quit twice with the medication...it did work but I didn't understand the addiction process and started smoking again. 

My advice is talk to your doctor, there might be something that can help with both issues.

Best of Luck!

Karma

[jojo_2-24-11]

lots more energy since I quit and tons more smiles cause my teeth and breath are not tarnished or stained. Nothing but good comes from quitting!

[Mothergoose9]

There is nothing like addiction to suck the "enthusiasm / motivation / passion / energy " right out of you!!!!  Every day, every cigarette, every puff, more and more of YOU shrivels up and withers while the chains get heavier and longer!!!! You may think that you're just quitting smoking, but I tell you, it goes W-A-Y deeper than that!!!  Start reading the blogs of those who are kicking this addiction to the curb and reclaiming their lives!!!!  If you don't have enough of your own enthusiasm, start to read some of ours, and then begin to believe it all for yourself!!! There are many of us, most of us in fact, who seriously wondered if we ever truly would become FREE of this addiction......and we ARE!!!!!  There is nothing that beats the feeling of FREEDOM and taking your life back!!!!

My passion was buried under the oppression of addiction!!!  It didn't matter what once was, I was now controlled, a puppet on a string, enslaved and controlled by a ruthless and merciless task master!!!  But he/she doesn't exist in my world anymore!!!!  I exposed all the lies, exhausted all the excuses and made a decision that smoking was not an option, no matter what!!!  Not for ANY reason, not under ANY circumstance!!!  Then I refused to entertain or dwell on ANY junkie thoughts or stinking thinking!!!! 

You were meant for more......

[SaraSmile]

And where quitting smoking is concerned, your life really does depend on it!

[breathe-free]

Yep the first 3 weeks of my quit!!!   I was tired...unfocused, cried alot had trouble sleeping...DIDN"T Smoke and I feel less anxiety now.........I would force myself to go to the gym hoping to find some energy there.   Now 6 month + later I am working two jobs .....at almost 53...I just told my friend who still smokes..........I could never do all the things I have been if  I were still smoking........so hang in there...write to me anytime I would love to hear from you.  Breathe Free

[laurie37]

Hi, you've gotten great ideas! I also thought possible depression. But another thing I thought of when you mentioned being so tired, or lack of energy was Vitamin D. I felt alot like you are describing, mentioned it to my doctor when I was there for something else, she ran a blood test and my Vit D levels were critically low. I was on Rx Vitamin D for a couple of months and am now now over the counter and I take 2,000 IU's per day that I get at Target. And you will feel lots healthier after you quit smoking. 🙂

[gettem]

HUGE thanks to everyone for your feedback and support!  I totally agree that attitude, exercise, diet, and routine are the keys, and I am going to make a serious effort to get things under control.

Additionally, I already had an appointment scheduled with my doctor for tomorrow (Monday) morning, so I will speak to her about this issue and potential treatments.

Thanks again for everything!  I definitely have some hope that I can get this situation turned around!