Finding Encouragement During Nicotine Withdrawal | 36 Hours Smoke-Free

[krzymomof4]

Okay, I know this is going to sound silly, but I really need some encouragement right now.
I am as of right now 36 hours smoke free.
I am having a really hard time with withdrawl symptoms even though I am using the patch.
I could really use a pick me up because I am really :grumpy: :grumpy: :grumpy:

 

[wadesgirl]

You can do it! I'm all about encouranging people to quit smoking. I quit over 5 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made. Find something to keep yourself occupied when you have cravings. I did suckers for a while, especially in the car which I knew would be the hardest when I quit. As soon as you get over the "hump" it gets so much easier.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

Congrats for taking the first step!! Maybe indulge in your favorite treat. For me that's chocolate...treat yourself to something special...and SMILE youre quitting for good reason...better health, a new you! {{hugs}}

 

[pamperedlinda]

You CAN DO IT! Keep focused on your 'why'.

 

[PamperedDor]

You are doing great!! I myself quit over 10 years ago - what I did was everytime I craved one - I drank a glass of water - First, it got me over the craving, second it washed away the nicotine left in my system that made me crave, and third - helped me not to gain weight - most of us go to sweets or snacks to help with the cravings - just try this for a few days and see how it works for you!!

YOU should be very proud of yourself - keep up the good work! It is all worth it in the long run!!! Great job!!

 

[janetupnorth]

Pick something you REALLY want to do! Start putting all the money you are saving by not buying cigarettes in a bank and then go treat yourself...maybe a simple "spa day", maybe a vacation or whatever you like as a treat.Get rolls of quarters from the bank and each time you really want a cigarette and DON'T have one, pick up a quarter and put it in the jar/bank.That doesn't help your cravings (I like the water idea above - that's good) - but you get a "reward".

 

[chefjeanine]

Breathe. One thing I realized when I quit smoking was that the only time I took a nice big cleansing breath (and released it) was when I smoked. Sad, isn’t it?!?

So, without a cigarette in your hand (mouth) . . . take a nice deep breath in through your mouth and let it out slowly.

You can do this!

 

[sarahlegare]

Get rolls of quarters from the bank and each time you really want a cigarette and DON'T have one, pick up a quarter and put it in the jar/bank.



That doesn't help your cravings (I like the water idea above - that's good) - but you get a "reward".

First of all~WAY TO GO!! It's so hard to make the decision to quit, so good for you!!!! The quarters is a great idea! I bet it'll add up REALLY fast too!! Whatever you do with that money will be so much more enjoyable than smoking!! Congrats again!!

 

[DebbieJ]

You're doing awesome Leslie!!!

 

[CookingwithMary]

You CAN do it!

Helpful hint: If the smell of smoke triggers cravings, clean
the surfaces that pick up the smoke. Especially fabric!

I was amazed how drapes, curtains, blinds, upholstered furniture, rugs and pillows contain the smoke smell. Even bed pillows pick up the smoke scent.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Hang in there!!! That's awesome that you're tackling this!:thumbup:

 

[wadesgirl]

Just remember why you want to quit smoking when you feel the urge. You could tape up encouraging message on your mirror, your computer, the tv remote, car steering wheel, etc. Places were you might be discouraged and want to smoke.

 

[krzymomof4]

I think what is most discouraging is that I can't believe how much of my life revolved around it. I am even having dreams about it. For those of you who quit, I know you can still crave years after, but how long did it take before you weren't consumed by the thoughts, dreams, seeing others in their cars, etc?

 

[PamperedDor]

I think what is most discouraging is that I can't believe how much of my life revolved around it. I am even having dreams about it. For those of you who quit, I know you can still crave years after, but how long did it take before you weren't consumed by the thoughts, dreams, seeing others in their cars, etc?

Not sure on when it was that I wasn't consumed so to speak - I do know that I guess after 1 year, the smell, look and even thought of it disgusted me - to this day, I can't believe how gross it is and that I used to smoke! Just went away this weekend with my DH and in the casino/resort (Foxwoods) there was smoking almost everywhere!! I actually had to go back to the room and shower before bed because the smoke got in my hair and I could smell it on myself - :yuck:

Take it one day at a time and be so proud of yourself for the committment you have made!! You CAN and WILL do it!!!

 

[wadesgirl]

I think what is most discouraging is that I can't believe how much of my life revolved around it. I am even having dreams about it. For those of you who quit, I know you can still crave years after, but how long did it take before you weren't consumed by the thoughts, dreams, seeing others in their cars, etc?

My sister and I were talking about this the other day. She has quit for 10 years, me for 5. She said she still gets urges and wants to smoke. Me on the other hand, I have no desire what so ever to ever pick up another cigarette. I smell it on people and it's so disgusting! :yuck: I finally just got to the point that I knew it wasn't good for me and knew I had to quit. It will be rough for the first few months, just don't give up! We are working on DH quitting right now. He's on a "not quitting" kick again! I still try to encourage him even though he's smoking again. Will power had alot to do with it for me. I always said that I didn't have the will power to quit but finally something just snapped. Not going to say I didn't "relapse". I had quit right before dating DH and almost started up again because he smoked menthols and they were so much smoother to smoke. But after buying two more packs, I didn't want to head back down that road and quit for good.

 

[poohritz]

12 years and countingLet me tell you that quitting smoking was one of the best things I did.:thumbup: Expecially after seeing my dad go through a tripple bypass, cancer and having his heart stop 3 times. I think of all the money I have saved becaue of it, I have been able to pay off bills, and become debt free. there are still time that I wake up from a dream that I was smoking in. so there are still some residual cravings even after 12 years. so hang in there you can and will succeed.