concentration..

[Ghart88]

I’ve always had a hard time quitting because of concentration. If I could just take a few weeks off of work to sit by myself I think it would be a lot easier. This isn’t an option though.. I am in management and need to be present at my job. I try to get work done but I find my mind unable to pay attention and drift off from subject to subject. It feels exceedingly nice when I just let this process happen but then I end up feeling guilty. I’m worried I will end up in trouble, mess something up, or get fired because I can’t force myself through this. I’ve never been typical with my mood during my quit and my energy level isn’t bad, it’s just this one chemical adjustment that really makes this whole thing difficult. I would alert/tell work about it but A) I’ve already done that in the past and don’t want to keep messing around with it. B) it wouldn’t matter anyway, the fact is, I have to be present/focused. We are a small business so my inactivity is costly.

[biscuit9]

Quitting is worth it and I hope you do it, anyway.  I had a job that I was able to stop smoking during my working hours and would light up when I left, but not during.  Long story short, I had tried to quit, but couldn't and since my job kept me busy, I found I didn't miss smoking during the working hours.  

The first few weeks of my quit, I had trouble focusing and concentrating, but I no longer worked so I didn't have to constantly deal with people.  I encourage you to quit anyway, because there is never a good time to quit nicotine.  Hoping someone with better advice comes along to help you with this.  

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

There is never an easy time to quit.  Can you perhaps use some vacation time to at least give you a head start on the first week?

A person who quit with us a bit ago was an airline attendant, and she made a button to wear announcing to the world that she was quitting smoking.  She found that people were sympathetic and would often congratulate her, ask how long it had been,  share their quit stories and offer tips.  Might be easier to garner support this way?  You might also talk up the benefits to them when you are successful.  You will be healthier and thus probably use less sick leave, less stressed (yep - smoking INCREASES your overall level!), and you will be MORE present not needing your fixes during the day.

 as you get ready to quit, an important thing you can do  is  educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. I was amazed when I learned that the stress reduction you feel when you ingest nicotine is caused by the brain receptors calming that have gradually built in volume jonesing for their next fix!  I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking”  that brings light two other things you might not know.  You can purchase a digital version online or borrow it at your local library.  Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: Nicotine and Your Brain.

I quit many years ago , and I base my overall recommendations on my experience and that of others here over the years. If you decide to use a quit aid, I recommend those that don't let the addict control the dose such as Rx drugs and the patch. Lozenges and gum are fine, but don't sub them for every cigarette you used to smoke.  That will simply be substituting one addiction for another.  Have a plan to reduce use over time. Each cigarette you smoked contained about 1 mg of nicotine. If you use more than one form of NRT, be sure you aren't getting more than when you smoked.

To better deal with the habit part of the addiction, change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from when you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your walking shoes on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! .  Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.

After you have eliminated as many associations as you can, you need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Keep a cold bottle of water with you. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit Games: The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the page.

Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke - EX Community

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.

You might want to join other site members by taking the daily pledge when you quit. It helps to hold yourself accountable and also accountable to others here. Find it at Home (top left), then first box titled Take the Daily Pledge.

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

[CommunityAdmin]

Welcome @Ghart88  My name is Quiana, and I am a part of the EX Team. Congratulations on your decision to quit! I wanted to reach out and personally welcome you to the EX Community! We are so excited you have joined us. This is a very supportive community so feel free to keep us all posted on your quit journey reach out and let us know if you need anything.

Here are some articles that might be helpful as you prepare for your quit date: 

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/get-ready-to-quit/right-before-you-quit/

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/get-ready-to-quit/3-ways-to-get-your-support-...

Quiana, EX Team

[Barbscloud]

@Ghart88 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on not giving up on your desire to quit.  Not being able to concentrate is a common side effect of quitting.  I didn't quit smoking until after I had retired, but I do understand your dilemma.  It can help if you try and move around at work at much as possible.  Stand up, go for some walks, inside or out, etc.   Increase your dopamine levels will help with your focus.

Think of the alternative.  Don't wait until you're retired to make this important change in your life like I did.  That's a lot more years of smoking and possible related health problems.

If you haven't done so before, create a quit plan so you'll be prepared for the various situations you'll encounter and the tools you can use to help get you through tough moments.  They will happen, but they will also end.

Hang in there.  Remember, it's one day at a time, so make this your time.

Barb

[KPSadony]

Day one and a half. Having a lousy Day.  Emotional, Nervous and agitated. I really want to do this because I want to feel good again.  I’m not just quitting for me, but for my family too.  I will sit on my hands if I have to. Just don’t have anybody to talk to about it.  

[Barbscloud]

@KPSadony  Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your quit.   You have us to talk to about it. Glad you found us.  If you haven't done so already it's not to late to educate yourself about nicotine addiction and create a quit plan.  Knowledge and preparation are powerful tools to be successful. This link has some great information to help with your quit.

https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

Your brain is missing that nicotine, so what you're experiencing are normal withdrawal symptoms. So having some tools to cope with withdrawal will help.  If you can, go for a walk and practice deep breathing exercises.  100 Things to do instead of smoke - EX Community

Here are some common withdrawal symptoms (there are more!)

And start your day on the Daily Pledge to get your day started off focusing on one day at a time.

Please consider creating your own post at My Journal/Blog on the home page to introduce yourself to the community and receive lots of support from fellow quitters.

Stay busy and stay close.

Barb