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Learning how 'not' to smoke Cancel

1. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   07 Jan 2019

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   Day 7 of my quit. My wife has been an amazing support for me! That's another reason why I love her so much. An excerpt of a recent text exchange we just had:
   
   Me: the Nibs were a comfort thing. I've got gum as well. Mostly just trying to adjust to not smoking. How do you do nothing when you don't smoke? That's the thing I'm realizing. It was a time waster as well. 
   
   Wife: It's really good that you're thinking all this through. Makes me realize that quitting is very far from simply "quitting" So much more involved. 
   
   Me: Problem is that I've smoked so long, I don't know what it's like to be a non-smoker. Weird, but that's what I'm realizing - I have to learn how 'not' to smoke.
   
   Wife: Yup. It's a real lifestyle change. 

   Last modified on 07 Jan 2019 14:08 by atp
2. merline, quit coach

   

   124 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   07 Jan 2019 in reply to atp

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   Good Evening atp,
   
   Congratulations!
   7 days without smoking and I'm glad to know that you have a very good support from your lovely wife.
   
   What it's like to be a non-smoker?
   
   Expect Benefits to Unfold
   Most smokers expect to feel physically better and have more money in their pockets, but the positive aspects of overcoming addiction will reach into more nooks and crannies of your life than you can probably imagine. Some benefits will show up soon after quitting, and others will unfold in time. 
   
   Your new smoke-free life will make you wonder why you waited so long to quit.
   Aside from the benefits, remember to reward yourself for your progress. Rewarding is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself stay on track.
   
   Everyone finds different benefits to quitting. What are yours? Share with other quitters on Smokers’ Helpline Online, if you have any questions or concerns about quitting, you can call Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free).
   
   One day at a time!
   Merline
   
   
   

   Last modified on 07 Jan 2019 18:51 by merline, quit coach
3. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   08 Jan 2019

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   Hi atp
   
   You're right, not smoking is a complete lifestyle change.  It's a mature realization that you have to 'unlearn' how to smoke.  We spent years perfecting smoking, why is it that we expect it to be easy or quick to break all those years of habit and ritual?  There are many alternatives to smoking, and all more beneficial. 
   
   And another word of advice - keep talking to your wife.  Honest disclosure will be the engine of your success. 
   
   E
   
4. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   08 Jan 2019 in reply to efreeman75

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   efreeman75 - Thanks and agree completely. 
   
   The thing is that previously I never considered how integrated smoking was to my daily life, and how much effort it will take to break the 'habit' after the actual nicotine addiction is over. 
   
   Every time I put my coat on I feel for my smokes. Feels like I'm forgetting something.....That will take time. 
5. butterflyna

   

   135 posts
   Registered:
   15 Feb 2018
   20 Jan 2019

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   This is exactly my problem today. Learning how "not to smoke". I am weaning (at 11/day). Jan 31st is my quit date. I have 12 days till I quit. I am using an app on my mobile to quit (Smokefree). It weans me down plus adds time between cigs which is good. Unfortunately, me being the addict that I am, my entire days are spent focusing on when my next cigarette is and if I can take right at THAT time. I am so focused on when I can smoke that I am not thinking about day to day and slowly weaning down. I have never gone beyond 10/day and I will be doing this very shortly. I almost feel selfish writing this cuz I know many are suffering through no cig at this time. It is just where I am. I am so proud of those who have quit and hope to be there very soon! Thank you.
   
   Butterflyna/Laurie
6. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   20 Jan 2019 in reply to butterflyna

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   Butterflyna,
   
   It's good that you have a plan on getting to your quit date. 
   
   One thing you might want to try is break the routine. If you have a smoke with coffee - stop it, or wait till your second cup. If you smoke in your vehicle - stop it ,or wait till you are half way to where you're going before lighting up.
   
   The routine is a hard thing to break. Start changing that up now and it will be that much easier on your quit date.  
7. butterflyna

   

   135 posts
   Registered:
   15 Feb 2018
   20 Jan 2019 in reply to atp

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   You are so right.  Quitting date getting closer. Thanks apt!