First Day, First Crave

[Lakegirl73]

9:30 Am, the magical time when I could walk away from my desk and enjoy a cigarette in the peacefulness of my car!

I don't- I breathe and exhale

9:37 Am Still breathing with a licorice stuck between my lips! 

9:40Am Need strength! Still breathing!

9:42 Going for a walk inside building, hoping this feeling subsides!

9:52am questioning my method after someone said to me, I am surprised you didn't just try weening yourself by one in the morning, one in afternoon and one at night! WELL THAT DOESNT HELP! That just made me think I could do just one and be fine! Someone please give me advice!! Before I take the rest of the day off, NyQuil my ass and go to bed the entire day!! Haha!

[YoungAtHeart]

#1 - Do not listen to other's advice unless they have recently quit smoking - period.  In actuality, weaning doesn't work well.  Being mindful of each one you smoke does, and putting each off a bit does....but weaning just keeps you in constant withdrawal.  Pay them no mind.

#2 - You might want to take that walk outside, if you can.  You took the time to go to your car, smoke and come back, so a 15 minute walk with arms a-swinging would be a GREAT idea....whenever you feel the need.  You might explain to your boss that you are quitting and ask for their patience. 

#3 - Take lots of slow/deep breaths.  Keep a bottle of water handy from which to sip.  Change your mind's direction when a crave hits.  Don't let the thought rattle around in your brain alone.  You can pretend to surf it, or count the red things in the room, or visualize a peaceful beach and waves.
You CAN do this - all of the effort it takes in the early days will be worth it - I promise!

Good job coming here instead of bumming a cigarette!

Nancy

[anaussiemom]

I was told that by my primary Doctor, to ween until I have control"  Then smoke a little!"   He is very very wrong!  I could go on about Docs and Specialists telling me a couple OR weening are ok."   It isn't!
Tobacco Kills Period! 

You can do this. 

[GyorgyiM]

I did the same thing....watched the clock at work till I could go outside to my truck and smoke. 

NOT ANYMORE......sometimes I even FORGET to take a break because smoking does NOT enter my mind anymore like it use to...that  conditioning is GONE, GONE, GONE.... 

At first when I did have cravings, I choose NOT to obsess over it.

WHY torture yourself with thoughts of smoking???

Change direction, recondition your brain, YOU DON'T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT CIGARETTES !!!

Make a choice....

I am only 7 weeks nicotine free, so don't think all this happens years from now....It does get better with EACH AND EVERY DAY! 

FIGHT,  FIGHT,  FIGHT !!! ...............

You have the RIGHT  to be free, happy and healthy.

Miles of Smiles....

[YoungAtHeart]

Please understand that most doctors/scientists/researchers/social scientists have ZERO idea about smoking addiction.  The websites do - because people who have been successful either founded them or contribute.  My GP actually helped design this site - but he is one of the few who has a clue (yup - poet and know it!).

I changed doctors after I told the one I was seeing that I wanted to quit smoking and he said (exact quote):  "Paste on a patch, cut up some carrot and celery sticks and you'll be good to go."  Uh - NO!

[elvan]

One day at a time is often too long at the beginning...how about one hour at a time or one minute at a time?  You have to make all new associations with the times when you smoked, 9:30 will be the time for a brisk walk, I agree with YoungAtHeart‌ that if you could take a quick walk to your car to smoke, you can take a quick walk somewhere else and NOT smoke.  Take deep breaths and let them out very, very slowly, like you did when you smoked.  The craves are going to be strong at the beginning, they WILL get weaker as you get past them...one at a time.  No crave ever killed anyone...no one can say that about smoking.  I told everyone I knew that I had quit smoking but I absolutely did not elicit any advice, I had EX for that and I told all of them about that too.  You CAN do this...celebrate every moment and everything that works for YOU.  

Welcome to EX, please stay close to the site, it will be your best friend.

Ellen

[maryfreecig]

     You had a reason for quitting. Stay focused on that every day.  It's likely your co-worker meant no harm--and doesn't even realize the button/s she pushed. So rather than focus on her comment, just focus on your reason/s for quitting. There is no need to cave, stay in tune with your goal.

[Opidfght]

One day at a time it will get easier and easier as you progress threw the days just keep telling yourself  I can do this I can do this . You will I'm on day 28 been there done it.