How do you fight agains your triggers?

[claudio-a-palmas]

Survey,
Start the discussion to share our experiences, learn more about the places and circumstances that pushed us to smoke, what is your main trigger and how has been controlled?.

[eclecticgemini]

Well I'm only on day eight. As of right now when I drive in my car(trigger) I snack on fat free pretzel sticks. When I talk on the phone for any length of time(trigger) I walk around either inside or outside of my home. After meals(trigger) I grab a glass of juice and some hard candy. When I get stressed or anxious I jump on the computer. If I'm having a really bad moment to where I really want to say forget it(has only happened twice) I google cancers related to smoking and that puts me back on track! I have been staying away from peeps that smoke for now. They know why and they support my decision. I started smoking 14 years ago because everyone around me smoked. So to stand them I joined them. Something I really regret!

[christy6]

When I jump in the car I turn the radio up and roll the windows down and sing...when on the phone I also walk around outside and inside. When I sit down to take breaks from cleaning I eat sunflower seeds chew gum or simply breath deeply, when I get up in the morning I go for a walk or get a cold glass of water...I also tell myself out loud IM DONE!

[lynne-welke]

I am only on day four of separation. I have found that just by separating I smoke way less-yesterday 5 (compared to 20). I have been using a pen in the car, dash board tapping, when drinking my first cup of coffee, I drink it with my Husband or my Mother in law. Work stress is the hardest time-I have been going to smooze with a coworker to get through the wait time. My co-workers are very helpful and encouraging. So are my friend on facebook, and of course my Hubby. And of course you guys,. I also am remembering to eat lunch, as when I have been hungry its been harder to wait.

[maria18]

My biggest trigger seems to be waking up! Geez! From the minute I open my eyes in the morning I want two things = a cup of coffee and several cigarettes!.I eliminated all but the morning coffee and cigs for a good while and then FINALLY quite completely last Sunday! I grab a piece of nicotine gum before I ever get out of bed! At least now I don't hate myself in the morning! 😉 I'm just waiting for my energy level to get a big boost! I am grateful that I can breathe much better now and most of my family is delighted with me. What I am finding so surprising is that I don't have an urge to "fidget"! I thought, when I gave up my cigarettes I would be lost as to what to do with my hands, but I'm oddly calmer now than I thought I would be. btw I have not entirely figured this site out, so if anyone posted to me and I didn't answer, don't feel snubbed! I stumbled on a page where a gal named Edith said some encouraging things to me, but when I tried to thank her I couldn't figure out how to do it. Maria<---------puter moron here!

[brueski]

i have a trigger when i show up to work in the morning. there are several guys walking around outside working and smoking at the same time. everyone at work smokes except my partner that i work with and that is a big help for me. he tells me i dont need it and i believe him. when i stop to take a break the urge gets stronger but i chew gum and talk about the reasons why i am quiting.it is day 4 and it isnt getting easier.

[lseamore]

I guess the main problem with triggers that they are always there, ready and waiting.  The problem with me is that I tend to forget that I should alway be alert for triggers.  So, as soon as I forget about looking out for triggers, I'm lighting up another one.  Collections Etc.

[nosmokes]

I still smoke but I have quit before and here is a tip that worked for me in the past.  Fill a mason jar full of your cigarette butts and when you get an urge, open it and take a big whiff!  I don't know about anyone else but a dirty ashtray is the grossest thing to me so this helped me not want to smell like that..I hope this helps!

[lindsey-hays]

Ewwwwwww, NoSmokes, that is the grossssest thing ever, but I bet that would be amazingly effective! You're right, who wants to smell like that?? I will just THINK of smelling a mason jar full of butts and that should be enough for me! Ewww oh gosh KUDOS for that one! 

[msweldon]

I Have not completly quit yet.. My quit date is January 4th and I am already aprehensive. I get nervous just thinking about it. I have been using this site and find it very helpful. I am working on the seperation issues right now and one of my triggers that I have is when I take my dog outside to potty. I always lit up. To the suggestions of some, I make myself not light up when doing that, and instead, I tell myself that I can either smoke before I take her out or after I bring her in... It worked!!!!! Thank you all for being here for me!!!!