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1. tinalee

   

   26 posts
   Registered:
   24 Jan 2022
   24 Feb 2022

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   Hello I just made it a week today no smoking using the patch. I was very happy with the improvements I was already noticing. Boredom and a rough day got the better of me and I lit up. Then I felt like crap and ended up smoking 3 cigarettes today a vicious cycle I often get into in previous attempts.  Does anyone whose been there have any advice so I can stay on this quit. I don't want it to go any further. My main struggle is strong urges and occupying my time. So far I've been walking
   
2. freedomchild

   

   81 posts
   Registered:
   18 Jan 2022
   25 Feb 2022

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   stay strong. I know its hard,  Say good things to yourself.. I can do this..this is tough but I can do it. Saying NOPE really works for me..Not One Puff Ever,, You can do it..
3. tinalee

   

   26 posts
   Registered:
   24 Jan 2022
   25 Feb 2022

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   Thank you. Yes in the past the way I talk to myself could be better something I am working on. I get this is a process and I am committed to trying again. I've read a lot of encouraging posts and good advice. I like the not one puff ever that is very helpful
4. sarah, quit coach

   

   231 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   25 Feb 2022

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   Hello tinalee
   Thank you for reaching out, and congratulations for stopping a slip in its tracks! 
   
   freedomchild, thank you for providing some much appreciated support and encouragement - thats what this supportive community is all about!
   
   Slips are common, often a part of the quit process, and always learning opportunity. Its important to note that you DIDN'T throw in the towel, tinalee, rather you want to get back to your quit. Boredom & stress are two very common triggers, but clearly not enough to lead you back to full-blown smoking. Sometimes a refresh of strategies is needed to help support you during these times. Are there any go-to distractions you find work well, or maybe something you want to try ie hobbies/interests etc? Even keeping a list of those distractions can be helpful - if you're feeling some strong urges, its helpful to have something to refer to (keep it in your phone, or written down on paper) so then you have a few options to choose from.
   
   And posting here on shl.ca is a strategy itself! So please continue to reach out as needed. 
   All the best tinalee
   Sarah
5. dublinguy

   

   379 posts
   Registered:
   09 Dec 2021
   01 Mar 2022

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   Hi Tinalee,
   
   Slips are common in a quit journey. I had one on day 65... I almost bought a full pack was on the way to the shop but a voice in my head was 'ah dublinguy, don't do it' so I turned around and walked to the car park where I used to smoke and a friend was there and got one off her. But I didn't enjoy it. First of all I wanted to smoke it in a corner on my own somewhere but had to keep chatting to her. And then I felt ill after it and threw up in the bathroom and had to go home for the day. If I had bought a pack I would have smoked them all.
   
   So maybe that's the trick... when you think u are at ur wits end and feeling on edge and snappy with people and start walking to the shop to get a pack... let that voice in ur head talk u out of it... 'No tinalee, please don't do it, ur doing so well, a cigarette wont solve anything and ull have to start this process all over again'.... no one in their right mind would wanna go through those first days and weeks over and over.
   
   And NOPE is a great one... Not One Puff Ever.
6. tinalee

   

   26 posts
   Registered:
   24 Jan 2022
   02 Mar 2022

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   Sarah,
   Thanks I am trying something new with this free time in addition to my regular hobbies. I am taking up knitting and crocheting. I also have more time which I'm trying to use to my advantage instead of as a trigger by exploring more and getting more done.
   Dublinguy,
   It's great you didn't buy a pack and are sticking with your quit. I will use your idea to talk myself out of these thoughts with that self talk idea. 
7. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   04 Mar 2022 in reply to tinalee

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   Hi tinalee,
   
   It's great that you are trying new hobbies.
   
   I remember when I first quit, I had all this extra time that I didn't know how to fill.  Just like you, it initially made me anxious.  But that's because we become so used to wasting time smoking.  Once you quit, you struggle to fill that time with other activities.
   
   I remember I started making more trips to the grocery store.  I purposely did not get everything I needed in one go, so that it forced me out when otherwise, I would have just sat at home and smoked.  Not very creative, I know, but hey, it did give me something else to focus on.  I found distracting myself was the key.  I read books, watched fun shows on TV, and played video games.  And I slept a lot, because you don't crave when you sleep.  Now, I can't imagine wasting my time smoking.  For what?  It's such a filthy habit.  And think of all the money you'll save.  I went on a trip to Mexico with my savings and had a great time.  And I didn't have to worry about cravings at the airport or on the plane.  It was wonderful.
   
   Little by little, you will find your way, tinalee.  Believe in yourself.  I am rooting for you! 
8. tinalee

   

   26 posts
   Registered:
   24 Jan 2022
   04 Mar 2022

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   Thanks for your response treepeo 1. I have been seeing your posts and admire that you have came so far I believe 5 years. I value your wisdom and insight.
   
   I relate with the extra time. And am working through it. I have to make sure I don't fill this new time which sometimes feels like a void wisely. It's overwhelming to be honest at times but I'm managing.
   
   Thanks for the support. I had to reset a quit date to March 3 but so far I've done it. I'm rooting for you too.
9. wandam

   

   241 posts
   Registered:
   05 Feb 2019
   05 Mar 2022 in reply to tinalee

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   Hi tinalee, 
   
   Welcome & congratulations on making the decision to quit smoking. Looks like you are getting some good tips from others on here to help you with your quit. Keeping busy definitely helped me lots during the early days of my quit. Walking, distracting myself & sipping on lemon water helped me. Hang in there it does get easier as the days, weeks, months pass! You are doing great! Keep rocking your quit! 
10. tinalee

    

    26 posts
    Registered:
    24 Jan 2022
    06 Mar 2022

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    Wandam,
    
    Thanks for telling me I'm rocking my quit. That means a lot.
    
    I am learning that staying busy and distracted are helpful and one gift is having more time to decide what to do instead of having to smoke all the time! I like your water sipping suggestion too
    
    Thanks