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22 hours and can't get my mind off smoking

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5 posts, 2 answered
  1. susanm
    susanm avatar
    71 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jul 2018
    18 Jul 2018
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    Almost through the first 24 hours and didn't think I was going to make it this long. I got through the day with distractions and then had to go to a meeting tonight. All the way there I just kept telling myself just drive! During the meeting I was fine but, it took everything in me to stay away from the store and drive straight home. Since then, I am having a lot of trouble keeping my mind off the cigarettes. I can keep my hands and mouth busy. I can't stop my brain!
  2. eagerquit
    eagerquit avatar
    415 posts
    Registered:
    07 Mar 2018
    Answered
    19 Jul 2018
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    Hi susanm,

    Congratulations on reaching the end of the first 24 hours. It is a big challenge re-routing the synapses of the brain away from the expectation of nicotine. There is an interesting article about this in "Psychology Today": https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/conditions/nicotine. Just keep distracting yourself as you are. The cravings, as intense as they seem at times, always do pass.

    Wishing you another smoke free day.

    Eagerquit

  3. susanm
    susanm avatar
    71 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jul 2018
    19 Jul 2018 in reply to eagerquit
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    Thank you eagerquit! I ended up just going to bed. Woke up this morning ok and not doing too bad right now. Praying this day goes well!
  4. linda, quit coach
    linda, quit coach avatar
    146 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    Answered
    19 Jul 2018
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    Hi susanm,

    I’m so sorry to hear about the difficult time…Hang in there. You can do this! The first few days of quitting can be tough. But, the fact that you remained smoke-free during the tough time is so great! It sounds like you have a good strong mindset to definitely help you get through the hard times. Keep going strong and congratulations for staying smoke-free!

    The thoughts of smoking and cravings can be intense but they usually lessen over time and things will usually get better. People find helpful to have different distractions for the mind such as writing, drawing, coloring, doing puzzles, playing games on the phone, exercising, go online, read books, watch TV or listen to music etc. What kind of activities do you enjoy doing?

    Today, I hope that you will have an easier day and have the time to do something that you enjoy, after all you’re doing the hard work of quitting! Keep up with those great strategies of keeping your hand and mouth busy! You are doing fantastic!

    Take care.
  5. susanm
    susanm avatar
    71 posts
    Registered:
    16 Jul 2018
    19 Jul 2018 in reply to linda, quit coach
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    Thanks Linda, it seems I am okay during the day but, as evening hits I can't stop my brain. I knit and colour but, it doesn't seem to stop my thoughts from going where they do. I am going to try and push through it all again today. If it gets too bad tonight I will go for a walk and see if that helps. At least I don't have to concentrate to walk. Then I can come home and watch a movie.

    Thanks again for all the support!
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