Welcome to our community!
The anxiety is probably creating the shortness of breath and is perfectly normal early in your quit. Try this exercise to help with both:
Here is a blog that outlines the early withdrawal symptoms: to help you know what is normal: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2018/01/04/early-withdrawal-symptoms?sr=se... .
The 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.” You can search for it online or at your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be.
Let me know if you are using a quit aid and I can give you my thoughts on them.
The idea is to 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 tennies 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.
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”: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/games. The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the homepage. 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
Yes it can definitely be from not smoking!! 8932xxd
https://www.newhealthadvisor.org/shortness-of-breath-after-quitting-smoking.html
Yes ! shortness of breath can be from quitting smoking, anxiety for sure too.
Your body is adapting. Please dont freak out it will be ok. Deep breathing helps a lot.
If it feels worse or to scary seek medical help, perhaps something else...
Everyone is here to help you maintain your quit.
I am 18 days quit and feel lots of shortness of breath these days. looking up info for you has helped me as well!! ❤️ 
Blessings
~Kim
