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Give and get support around quitting

beccalynn35
Member

Ive read the easy way

I'm so glad too. I now know I won't smoke another cig. I made the vow. I am going to say "yippee I don't smoke anymore" everytime I get a craving. I will look at those who smoke with pity instead of envy.

I still admit I have fear of failure. Ive failed so many times, but i believe if I follow Allen carrs way I will make it. 

Please pretend you've never seen me here, and send me stuff to read. 

Thanks, Becky 

8 Replies
Jennifer-Quit
Member

Welcome back!  Here is a link to a blog that lists 100 things to do besides smoke. 

JonesCarpeDiem‌ also has lots to read on his page.

Click this link for ideas to stay busy and distract your self!  100 Things

Best wishes to you Becky!

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YoungAtHeart
Member

Welcome to our community!

(I don't think I've seen you around these parts before 🙂

The most important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read.

Happy to hear you have read it!  Keep it handy!!!

 You should also read the posts here and perhaps go to the pages of folks who you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com, quitsmokingonline.com and livewell.com for the good information contained there. @https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex has lots of blogs written by members of this site with their experiences and guidance. You should also do the tracking and separation exercises suggested in My Quit Plan http://www.becomeanex.org/my-quit-plan.php

After you have completed the recommended reading, it will be time to make an informed choice of the quit aid, if any, you will use. If you go that route, I personally recommend the aids that don't let the addict control the dose such as the available prescription drugs or the patch. If used properly, gum, lozenges and inhalers are fine, but they need to be used only as a last resort.  I have seen folks become addicted to them if they substitute them for every cigarette they used to smoke - just trading one addiction for another.  I do not recommend the e-cigarette for three reasons: 1) the vapor has been compared to the polluted air in Bejing on a bad day, 2) they just provide another nicotine delivery system while continuing the hand to mouth smoking motion, and 3) the batteries can spontaneously catch on fire. . But – any method that you think will work well for you will be best for you.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to smoke so the view is different. Buy your gas at a different station. Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.    Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

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.

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

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elvan
Member

beccalynn35   It is SO GOOD to see you back here again.  I missed you...you are going to do this.

XOXO,

Ellen

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dwwms
Member

Don't be afraid of failure! Most of us have quit many times before only to succumb once again. I read Allen Carr's book and it changed my mindset - sounds like it did the same for you. You can do this - so glad you're back and this time's a winner!!

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Strudel
Member

Becky - This is the perfect attitude! Be sure to stay close - you are doing this! 

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vanlil
Member

Well Becky you are  new to me .  I have quit many times - but this time I find that I am not angry or grieving about not smoking anymore. Someone (don't remember who) said I was a Happy Quitter.

I can only add to that and say I am a grateful quitter.  Smoked 63 yrs. and somehow have stayed healthy so far.

Yup Gratitude is my Attitude.

Lillian  358 dof

beccalynn35
Member

Thanks everyone. Doing good. I have an emptiness in my gut, but i know what it is and it doesn't hurt. It's just a nagging... I keep saying " nope, I don't smoke any more". I know I can do this. I know it

elvan
Member

beccalynn35  There are so many good and inspiring little things to say to yourself that I used at the beginning of my quit ALL the time and I still use them when I feel a need.  There is, of course, N.O.P.E. and then "I don't do that anymore."  Then there is "The only way out is through."  "Keep them away from your face."  "One day at a time and when that is too long, make it one hour or one minute or one second."  "One step at a time, sometimes baby steps."  Whatever you have to say, whatever you have to do...just don't smoke.  It's just ONE thing NOT to do.

Best,

Ellen