cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Share your quitting journey

No Man's Land Weekly Blog -- Are You in No Man's Land?

SarahP
Member
1 7 291

We do this blog every Wednesday afternoon to offer encouragement and camaraderie to those in No Man’s Land -- months 2-3-4 of a quit. Regardless of how long you’ve been quit, anyone who likes the conversation and wants to offer support is welcome to participate!

*********************************************

This week’s topic: Are you in No Man’s Land?


Are you about a month into your quit? Are you feeling a little down, a little lost? Don’t fret – you’re entering No Man’s Land, the 100 days that start at the end of your first month.


The first month of a quit is emotional and exhausting; you’re living in the moment and focusing all of your energy on your brand new quit. Around the one-month mark, things start to change, and you spend the next 100 days or so in a place called “No Man’s Land.”


In No Man’s Land, you’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go.
The routine cravings are gone but the surprise cravings can really catch you off guard. Your family and friends think you should be “over it” while you still feel quite fragile sometimes. Your relationships with smoking friends/family may be feeling strained. Your inner junkie is still around, still whispering to you, and the temptation to give in can be overwhelming at times.


But here’s the good news
. In these same 100 days, for most people, your circulation has improved substantially, walking has become easier, and your overall lung function has increased noticeably. Sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath have decreased. Your body's overall energy has increased. The roller coaster is smoothing out, and you are feeling calmer and stronger overall. Good things are happening! 

 

**********************************************

If you're in NML right now, give a shout!  Reach out and find each other! 

 

 

 

Click here to read Dale’s helpful blog about No Man’s Land: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-da...

7 Comments
YoungAtHeart
Member

Hiding within this blog post, I feel comfortable admitting I had a TERRIBLE time last week - after THREE months!  I had craves (not memories, but CRAVING ambushes) after every activity and in every place I used to smoke.  They were practically nonstop - and I was seriously upset!  I knew about NML - but nothing had prepared me to feel like it was that first week all over again! I actually had to start with the Hershey Kisses and straws all over again!   I put a yell out to jojo (I didn't want to blog 'cause I didn't want to scare the newbies!!!) - and she put the SOS out for me.  Before I knew it, a whole gang of elders got in touch to help, and several noted they had gone through the same thing.  That was SO reassuring.  

Feeling a little better this week - although I must admit a few craves are still lingering to ambush me when I least expect them!!!!  Sneaky devils!

Thanks to this site and its wonderful people, though, I am still smoke-free and loving it!

Nancy

sandy130
Member

I do believe I AM where u AM.  It'll hit at 2 am.  If I'm really feeling happy, he'll creep in.  I can be totally engrossed in what I'm doing, the thoughts come . I even tried to use an e cig but when I sucked on it, I got oil in my mouth.  It's gone, lozenges, gone.  Cravings? NOT GONE!

beachbum1212
Member

I am right on the edge of NML!! Day 30 for me:) In the past 5-8 quit attempts i started again during the 3 month mark. I got my guard up this time, and am more ready and prepared. I will start reading this blog post and taking its advice and thoughts with me. Thanks again Sarah, for posting the (what i think is) best blog on here:)

misty_dawn
Member

We all have gone through that!

Junior7
Member

Definitely, I am in NML.  Had a bad cold for a few days.  Was relieved not to "have to" smoke while I wasn't feeling good, BUT this morning after being away from this site for a few days, I was actually pondering buying cigarettes and going back to being a smoker.  Not unbearable cravings--just missing smoking.  Have spent hours on the site today now that my cold is better--trying to get my head back in the right place.  Thanks for this blog!

Lady86
Member

I haven't heard much about this no mans land up till quite recently actually and yes this is how I feel some days after 40 DOF. It's so true the words in this blog. 

HoytGirl
Member

I might be a bit early for my official NML, (22 days) but I was doing really well, hardly any cravings, then in the last couple days they came in out of nowhere, very strong like day 1! Made me think, "Am I ever going to stop wanting those damn things?" I know it will stop eventually. No slips, not one puff. Is farthest I have ever gotten, and I feel great, am sleeping much better. My sense of smell is returning, on black friday I shopped and really smelled the awful body odors around me, LOL.