Howdy Yall!

[jpro1]

Good Morning fellow EX-er's. I am on Day 2 of a fresh start (literally and figuratively speaking). The cravings this morning was STRONG but, my will is stronger. I am constantly tested. I feel as if every where I look there is someone smoking a cigarette- when I walk out of my apartement, when I am driving to work, and especially when I get to work. I did pick up the ole vape with non-nicotine juice in it for the "hand to mouth" habit because, I am working very hard to shed some pounds and "bordem snacking" is not an option for me.

Last night the urge was not as strong to smoke which is when my usual binge smoking is but, I did notice a difference in my attitude. It was AWFUL and it was alomst as if I could not control it (mind over matter type deal I know). I felt so bad. I did go for a 3 mile run to ease my mind. If anyone is looking for a good running app that is a game as well I suggest "Zombies, Run". Its an awesome way to create a story while being active. You do not have to run or you can have the wonderful sound of zombies chasing you in your ear that is up to you. Now, enough rambling. I am ready to take on this day. Hope yall have a great day!

-Jessica 

[Dotgirl_1-28-16]

Great job keeping your quit Jessica!!! WOOHOO 2 DAYS OF FREEDOM!!! Keep stacking up those days! You keep up that running when you get a crave and the weight won't be able to keep up with you! YOU GO GIRL!!!

[JonesCarpeDiem]

Welcome

Exercise is a great dopamine creator.

My page may be of help to you in keeping on the path

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I found that chewing on a plastic straw resolved the same hand to mouth function without mimicing smoking.

[jpro1]

Thank you both! Way to go on Day 19 Dotgirl! I will also have to try the straw idea. I have never been too much of a "chew on things" type person but, HEY you never know until you try! We have some of the small coffee straws here at work. Thanks for the tip Dale!

[blaquequeen83]

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jpro1]

Thank you Blaquequeen83!!! 

[Mike.n.Atlanta]

Great job Jessica!

Keep on keepin on,

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

The most important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. Here is a link to a free PDF version of it:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

As well, read the sections on this site, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com for the good information contained there.

 You have chosen to go "Smart Turkey" - so the nicotine will be out of your system in 72 hours.  Then - it's just your body adjusting to life without it and the trigger/association breaking of the habit.  Your bad mood is an expected withdrawal symptom.  Exercise is a way to get the dopamine hit yuu used to get from nicotine, as is singing out loud or dancing to your favorite music, eating a bit of chocolate.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to smoke so the view is different.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around your head alone.  Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[jpro1]

Thank yall and thank you Youngatheart for the great information!! 

[TerrieQuit]

Hello and welcome to EX! Read, read and read some more. Education about the horrible addiction to nicotine will help with your quit and Help you stay quit! Congratulations on 2 days! Keep moving forward!

I Won't Quit on my Quit!

[lois2]

welcome and congrats to you.   nope