Managing Stress by Having Gratitude and Acceptance

[Dr_Hays]

What is stress? The definition of stress is merely your reaction to an event, not the event itself. Quitting tobacco may place you in a position where you do not have that security/ comfort you once had, possibly leading to distress.

One concept that has been prominent in recovery communities for many years and is gaining more traction in the field of health and wellness is the idea of gratitude and mindfulness:

Gratitude is considered an attitude or expression of thankfulness and appreciation for what one has.  Simply, gratitude is about focusing on the positives in our lives instead of dwelling on the negatives.  Researchers are finding that an attitude of gratitude not only increases happiness and well-being, but can lessen feelings of stress, anger, and depression.

Mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.

1. Keep a gratitude journal – Each night try jotting down several things you are grateful for in your life.  They can be as simple as having a good book to read or being able to breathe fresh, clean air.
2. Help others who are struggling – Being of service to others can help us appreciate what we have in our lives and can provide us with a different perspective on our own challenges.
3. Keep an attitude of gratitude– Compare these two statements: “I can’t smoke today.” & “I don’t have to smoke.”  How we choose to think about a situation can determine how we feel and act.  Think positive!
4. Develop a mantra - Many people in recovery recite the Serenity Prayer to appreciate what they can control and accept what they cannot.  Consider memorizing a favorite phrase or prayer that brings peace and positivity into your life.
5. Find symbols that represent gratitude– Whether it’s writing down inspirational quotes, creating a gratitude board on Pinterest, or keeping a picture of your loved ones at work, surround yourself with the things that motivate you.

Explore brief mindfulness exercises by Dr. Sood of Mayo Clinic http://stressfree.org/

[elvan]

ALL very positive and helpful pieces of advice, no matter where you are in your quit.

[maryfreecig]

     Somehow I'm thinking have an attitude of compassion--meaning that the new-to quitting-might ask, "how would I help someone else going through what I'm going through,"---then be as compassionate to his or herself.

    Gratitude is of course good, but I fear that social pressure to be nice, be good (especially be a good girl), do the right thing can cause a quitter to stuff crap down in. There should be no objection to someone saying they feel like crap. OK, 30 days later, maybe a little social pressure to get out of ones own way.

[PRAIRIEROSELADY]

Finding all this new information and  building a plan for Becoming an Ex is: HELPING with the Fears, I have of repeated failure. As well as, using smoking to take my mind off my chronic pain level. Hitting the 3 month mark and crashing and burning! I really like the Gratitude Journal suggestion. I have a blank journal with me in my winter home. I can check that off my list of to-dos.

I'm trying to build a solid plan to keep from failing. I have set a Quit date for this month. I have contacted my health provider for Tobacco cessation products. I am reading at this site, compiling information, I think will help me as an individual. I have to Keep my general fear and anxiety in check. Scary after 45 years of addiction.

[mrlresearch]

I am studying roles that arts may take place in healing in the field of healthcare. We have looked at cultural traditions and rituals of healing, and your post seems to fall under a similar topic of being zen and utilizing internal thoughts towards healing. I wonder if there have been any forms of art that have depicted positive impacts on quitting smoking. These forms could come in many forms such as yoga, to reduce anxiety; sculpture and painting to distract someone and fill their hands with a different tool; or figuring out another active vice that can provide endorphins to replace the gift of nicotine from tobacco. I know that I had a personal reference tell me that when they quit before, it was hard not having something in their hand. They said that they would keep a four-sided nail file to keep their hands busy and distract themselves from missing a cigarette in their hand. I thought this was a rather positive change to smoking, no matter how small the impact may be on your everyday life, it is a big change inside your body to not be smoking.

I do enjoy hearing your suggestions on a journal of gratitude and thoughtfulness. It is a simple task that can be done anywhere at any time when anxieties or cravings may hit. I also think developing a mantra and figuring out ways to phrase positive statements to yourself is an important way to keep yourself thinking positively and maintain perseverance throughout the day. 

[Barb102]

I’m on day 2 struggleing but I found today that anything I can do to help someone else helps me. I get over my pity party and it helps my horrible cravings.  Glad to help each other even though I really need your help. 

  Barb

[indingrl]

Thanks Dr Hays I NEED to be REMINDED TODAY ... dealing with breast cancer in OUR BLOOD FAMILY TODAY...so I been ON THIS SITE SINCE EARLY THIS MORNING to be of service love and TRYING to give away ALL that was given to ME FREELY YEARS AGO to be RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MY MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL FEELINGS TRYING TO LEAD ME... I will NOT them I will CHOOSE to have SELF CONTROL I cannot CURE MY BLOOD FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS CANCER... I was TAUGHT to be grateful and STAY IN THIS DAY AND TO SAY OUT LOUD.... I AM A NON SMOKER TODAY! For ME in MY Lord Jesus name amen please take what HELPS and let go of the rest to be HELPFUL is MY only aim thank you and HELPING OTHERS is keeping ME focused with LOVE AND TOLERANCE TO ALL HERE ONE MOMENT AND A TIME! May God bless you Dr Hays for YOUR UNCONDITONAL LOVE FOR NICOTINE  SUFFERS in MY Lord Jesus name amen keep coming BACK! 

[Kamella]

This was a helpful reminder, gratitude is big for me as I have so much to be grateful for but the “pity party” can be challenging and make me forget. I’m on day two and quitting smoking has brought up a TON of unexpected emotions but having gratitude and acceptance is hugely helpful. I will start a gratitude journal and try to be easy on myself. Thank you so much for this!