I'm still here...struggling with Monday

[janetlynn]

Ok guys I need some encouragement it was a long crappy weekend. I think hubby is all but worn out and over the whole I quit thing...he doesn't even mention it or give me any praise...sucks...but guess I deserve it and he is probably gun shy of me now. I either start back smoking, freak out, or cry lol. He is probably afraid of me at this point. I am eating myself out of house and home...sheesh..I have chewed so much gum that I have tender jaws now..and the sugar free candy...yeah well that stuff will give you gas! I can't get focused and I have stuff to do...I can't sleep but then thats all I wanna do...so I am just kind of sitting here watching the clock tick....wondering when I am gonna get some energy or motivation to get moving. Ugh...yep...its def. a Monday. Hugs hope you all are doing ok...Keep on keepin on.

[whognu_1-2007]

most are through the symptomatic part of quitting at 3 weeks. Hang in there.

[janetlynn]

THanks Whognu....its been the longest 3 weeks of my life..lol

[SarahP]

It's all normal, those first few weeks are definitely a roller coaster. Just hang in there! Mondays will always be Mondays -- smoking never made them better! 

[jillie2]

I am on the Nicorette patch.  It helps, but I still want a cig, but I won't smoke one.  I've been quit for just 7 days.  I'm going to do the full 10 wks.  When I get in the car, that's when I want one too.  Been taking a little piece of gum and keeping it in the back side of my mouth.  Seems to help me.  Been trying to learn how to make cinnanmon tooth picks, to put in my mouth around the house.  I never knew it would be so hard, but I'm going to kick smoking this time.

[quitter39]

I remember being exactly like you describe!  And that was 3 1/2 years ago!!  You can do it, it gets a little easier each day.  Going back now would only make you hate yourself.  You can do it. 

[Mommaof2-3]

Hang on, you will get through this. I remember my husband was the same way, I had quit so many times before.. This year will be 3 years for me! You can get through this so do not give on yourself:)

[janetlynn]

Thanks guys....need that constant reminder to keep that little voice in my head telling me to keep going..I have been down this road before....seems like each time gets tougher...I guess because I am being so hard on myself for having to be in this damn situation again. Ya know after a while crap just gets old...especially when your the one doing it to yourself..and you just wanna kick yourself in the ass but your legs don't work that way! So I come here to get my encouragment and damnit yes some praise...cause that got cut off by my family about 10 quits back. lol Think I will buy some freezer pops...keep me busy...less calories lol. 

[Patty-cake]

Hey JanetLynn, hang tight.

As you see above, what you are going through is normal. Push yourself to get through those things that are on your to-do list, even if it takes longer than usual to do them. I also remember what I felt like at 3 weeks quit. Wasn't as bad as the first couple days, but wasn't where I thought I should have been. Whatever you do, don't dwell or romance that old addiction. Keep your head screwed on straight and move forward. Next week you will be celebrating a month. Think about how good you smell. Get the candy out of your mouth and brush your teeth more often. Enjoy the freshness. Drink lots and lots of water. Don't worry about running to the bathroom more often, you have extra time on your hands. Water will help fill that empty feeling that the addiction has left.

Go on the freedom train today and celebrate your 3 weeks of freedom. 🙂

[Patty-cake]

I love freeze pops. It a great quit tool.

[Patty-cake]

Do things that will help raise your endorphins. I know freeze pops always raise my endorphins.

[janetlynn]

Lol, Patty cake...raising my endorphines requires my hubby ha ha! Though since I smell better now I am getting more of that attention! As far as feeling like I should feel further along then I do yep that is so true...Thanks for the advice about the water, I have not been drinking enough..I think maybe cause I am not smoking so I am not as thirsty!

[Thomas3.20.2010]

You will always get praise from us, Janet, as well as support! We know that we are addicts for Life and this journey takes focus and determination! You're doing a Super Job and it gets Better and Better!!!!

[YoungAtHeart]

You can distract yourself in ways (and get dopamine) in more ways than just eating!  Find a funny video on YouTube and lol!  Dance like no one is looking to your favorite music!  Go for a brisk walk - or march quickly in place.  Remember the lists of distractions?  If you need some new  ideas, let me know.  You can make flavored toothpicks by soaking them in whatever flavor you want and then lay them out overnight to dry!    I would guess boiling water, cinnamon sticks would get that one.  I know somebody who soaked them in bacon grease to get that flavor!  OJ would probably work as well.

You are almost over the worst part of the quit so hang in there.  You are doing GREAT!

Nancy

[jaime11]

I remember all of those exact feelings.  I remember the same thing with my husband and he thought every quit was just a few weeks of hell until I started again.  You will have to look to yourself for praise for now.  And you should praise yourself for every minute you get through.  I saw on your page that you like kick boxing and yoga.  Those will be huge tools for you.  Your brain produces seratonin and endorphins during exercise and that will help combat the withdrawel effects.  I always say "you just need to lace up your shoes."  If you can physically bring yourself to putting on your workout clothes you have fought most of the battle. I just wrote a blog about mentioned how I have been running.  It has saved my life.  Distract and refocus.  Try and put all of your energy into something productive.  And the most important thing is dont doubt yourself.  You are non smoker now and you have to believe that!  You are doing great!!

[janetlynn]

Any form of exercise is out for me at the moment except walking, doctors orders...I have herniated disc in my neck and bursitis they believe in my shoulder which has developed into frozen shoulder. I may be able to start back doing yoga though...my days of kickboxing and bootcamp are over I think. This morning my doctor told me one of the worst things I could probably hear lol, no more sugar...said its a major factor in inflammation of the body...and I love sugar....so need to revamp my food if I wanna get better. Ugh...I wish i could program myself to love lettuce lol! Kevin guess I am gonna be inheriting your meal program...nuts, seeds, fruit and popcorn. Oh Lord help me..lol

[joyeuxencore]

The GREAT thing Janetlynn is you are here on EX every day sharing your journey and getting the much needed support to stay quit...You mustered up the courage to begin again after a very difficult year and yes it may be hard and it may FEEL lousy but every minute of every day you are getting stronger in your quit...

There are these great yogic breathing techniques that are helping me SO much to relax, gain energy and sleep...How does the same exercise give me energy during the day and help me sleep at night??? Because controlling the breath IS controlling the mind...

The 'whirling dervish' crazy thoughts  are what can make me paralyzed by day and sleepless by night! My favorite is called 'anuloma viloma' There are numerous youtube videos...none of them are great videos but I promise if you learn this technique you will be amazed at how it helps everything...xo

I don't eat sugar anymore...I used to A LOT...That also just takes time to wean off of...Eventually a ripe piece of fruit became more satisfying to me than any dessert! It takes time...Also worth it! Like YOU. YOU are worth it beautiful friend! xo

[janetlynn]

Thanks Joy...came home felt sorry for myself for a while, took a nap then woke up and took the dog for a walk..figured I better take advantage of this warm weather. Feeling better then I have been and trying to just focus from one minute to the next and not think about tonight or tomorrow. I will check out those videos thanks! 

[janetlynn]

Thanks Joy...came home felt sorry for myself for a while, took a nap then woke up and took the dog for a walk..figured I better take advantage of this warm weather. Feeling better then I have been and trying to just focus from one minute to the next and not think about tonight or tomorrow. I will check out those videos thanks!