I used cigarettes to relieve stress..now that I don't smoke ....90 days free

[shet206]

I realized that  when I had any stress in my life I ran to the cigarettes for relief now that I don't smoke  I realize that the stress in my life  is to the point  where it felt as though I was having a heartt attack..but that wasn't the case ..the sharp pain on  the left side of my chest that shot through the left arm...wow! to realize that  it is stress, anxiety or better yet a panick attack? The days of smoking I didn't pay much attention to this because as soon as I felt a little stress I would light up and viola!! It was gone (so I thought)  so now with the help of my doctor I will learn how to cope with this and some meds (temporarily) ..I find that I stress about everything, with a little touch of OCD  over simple situations...but never the less I am STILL SMOKE FREE!! Also if any one has any good suggestions  please send them to me

[mrs.-almost2]

Good for you on remaining smoke-free! 

If you have time to fit in any type of exercise, that is a great stress reliever.  Even just a short walk can do a world of good. (Check with doctor before beginning any type of exercise program.)

Hope this helps.

Monica

[TigerLadie]

a good massage therapist.... I have had chest pains due to muscle spasms and you can actually have ribs that come off their facet... and can cause pretty significant chest pains....  and because of the location of the pain, the body goes into a fight or flight response and can cause panic... make sure to tell the massage therapist you are having chest pains and which side....

[Jordan-11-1-12]

I had a hard time when I first quit, dealing with stress and anger, because I burried both with smoking for..... well, since I was 9 years old!!   So, I had never learned how to deal with anger and stress because, like you, I ran straight to the cancer sticks!!

One thing that I found very helpful was to think about what else I was doing when I ran to the cancer sticks....... I was removing myself from the situation, goind outside alone with my thoughts for five to ten minutes.  It was like a time out.  So, now, I make myself do that.  I take my ice water, pop a mint if I want one, and take myself away from the phone, or the people, or the paperwork, or whatever..... go into a different room and be on my own for five to ten minues, consentrating on slow deep breaths instead of concentraiting on inhaling poison.   At first,  this was an effort. I had to step away, (out othe room I began to stress in) and make myself breath slowly.   But now, (9 months later)  I do it automatically and without thinking. I give myself a ten minute break from the situation and my breathing slows without me thinking of it.    

Sorry I rambled on, but my point is, you deserve the break for the break's sake.  

Great job on staying quit through all this!!!!   Glad you're working with your doctor. As time went on, I found myself less stressed than when I use to smoke..... as months passed.  I hope you will, too.  😃

[Nyima_1.6.13]

This is where breathing in fours helped me! 

Deep Inhale 1,2,3,4

hold    1,2,3,4

Complete exhale 1,2,3,4

repeat 4 times!

[dixiequit8-7-13]

Hey there. I've always had the most success by confronting my worries and thinking them through from every angle. I am then able to access the worst case scenarios and plan for them. I hope that this strategy can assist you. It usually works for people like you who are highly analytical and those that are meticulous in having organized thoughts.