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1. suemac

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   18 Oct 2019
   10 Nov 2019

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   I am day 25 cold turkey, and am finding it more and more difficult. If Find myself missing the “calmness”  that smoking brought me. Those days sitting outside, having a moment to myself and relaxing for a moment. I am trying to find new ways of relaxing but so far have not found anything that gives me that pure relaxation feeling.
   anyine feel the same during there quit? If so how did you deal with it.
2. justfortoday

   

   168 posts
   Registered:
   12 Aug 2019
   10 Nov 2019 in reply to suemac

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   Hey suemac,
   
   Sorry you're having a rough go, but AMAZING progress! 25 days is fantastic!
   
   I found it almost impossible to find something else where I could find the same relaxation I found with smoking.
   
   Although I was extremely skeptical at first, I discovered that mindfulness meditation really worked for me. As a matter of fact, I've downloaded an app wherein I'm learning simple meditation techniques for everyday.
   
   For me, it took that "panicky" feeling away and calmed me down. It helps to keep me grounded every day which helps me maintain my quit.
   
   What sold it for me was the fact that after a certain point, I was battling the mental addiction on smoking and therefore I needed to combat it with a mental solution. Meditation really helps with that.
   
   It might be worth looking into???
   
   I hope you have an easier day tomorrow, suemac. And again, congratulations on 25 days!
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   11 Nov 2019

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   Hi suemac,
   
   Congratulations on 26 days cold turkey!  That is fantastic!
   
   Part of quitting is learning how to cope with withdrawal.  That calm feeling you used to get from smoking was caused by you feeding your addiction, nothing more.  I am not surprised that you are having more and more difficulty as time goes on.  I quit cold turkey, too, and found the end of my first month just as hard as the beginning of my quit.  The addicted part of you will do everything it can to convince you to give in, hence the thoughts of how "calming" and "wonderful" smoking was.  But we both know that is a lie.
   
   I like justfortoday's suggestion of mindful meditation.  I used to stand up, raise my arms while taking a deep breath, and exhale as I lowered my arms.  I did that a few times until I felt a little calmer.  I would focus on the fact that I could breathe much easier being smoke free than I could otherwise, and I would give myself a little pep talk about how much better it was to be smoke free.  Right now, being smoke free still feels strange to you, but eventually it will become second nature.
   
   Hang in there, suemac.  You are doing great, and you can do this.  Believe in yourself.
4. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   12 Nov 2019

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   suemac,
   
   Congrats on nearly a month without smoking!!!!
   
   I did the cold turkey as well and found I was having a hard time learning how to be a non-smoker. Weeks 4 and 5 were probably the hardest. I was kind of over the withdrawal stage, but still missing the 'habit' part of smoking. I missed it to be honest. But you know, I focused on how much better I was feeling. Treepeo also gave me some really good advice to watch what non-smokers do and learn from them. I took up running, slow at first just a 100 meters, then walk for 100 meters, just go around the block. Then a bit further. It felt good to do something new. Now runnig may not be your thing, but find something new. 
   
    
   
   
   
5. java

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   02 Dec 2019
   02 Dec 2019 in reply to suemac

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   There are different types of meditation to get that relaxed feeling. Once you get used to it, you can get that feeling in 5 minutes. I prefer qigong meditation as it is a movement form of meditation where breathing is practiced with each slow rythmic movement. It's quite nice. You could also try Tai Chi. I haven't tried tai chi but i heard it had similar effects.
6. suemac

   

   5 posts
   Registered:
   18 Oct 2019
   06 Dec 2019

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   I am now day 52 and still find myself struggling. I have not regained my energy and still having problems sleeping at night. Has anyone else had these issues. I though it was supposed to get better with time. I keep waiting.
   so afraid I will relapse. I know it is the addiction demon Rearing his head.
   i am proud that I have lasted this long, really like that I don’t smell of smoke and trying really hard to be a non smoker.
   
   
7. efram, quit coach

   

   242 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   10 Dec 2019 in reply to suemac

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   Hi Suemac,
   
   Congratulations on all of those days smoke-free! You deserve to be proud, and I'm glad that you're noticing some improvements in your life as a result of quitting.
   
   I can tell how important this is by how you've persisted in spite of the challenges. What has motivated you so strongly?
   
   As for the struggles, it will get better with time, yes, so please keep hanging in there! Your body and brain are adjusting to a big change still after the 40-some years that you were smoking.
   
   If you feel like you're on the verge of relapsing, it could help to "relapse" with a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) instead of a cigarette; that way you'll still be smoke-free. Your healthcare provider could advise further. It may also help to call and talk with a Quit Coach from your Provincial smoking cessation helpline (1-866-366-3667).
   
   Keep noticing those improvements, take the time to celebrate your success, and keep taking good care of yourself, suemac! Most importantly, keep the quit!
   
   Efram  
   

   Last modified on 11 Dec 2019 13:23 by efram, quit coach
8. justfortoday

   

   168 posts
   Registered:
   12 Aug 2019
   10 Dec 2019 in reply to suemac

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   Hey suemac,
   
   I'm so sorry I didn't see your post until tonight!
   
   I hope you're doing okay and I'm sorry you're in a tough place. I felt the same and was so frustrated (and a lot angry), because I was so sick of the constant fight to not smoke.
   
   But it did settle down, and although I still get a craving, it's totally manageable and nonthreatening. It started to change for me at around the eight week mark.
   
   You are sooo close! I promise, it does get better!
   
   Respect the smoke free days behind you, and use that to keep moving forward.
   
   You can do this!
   
   
9. starryk

   

   1 posts
   Registered:
   08 Dec 2019
   18 Dec 2019

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   @suemac -wow - congrats... I come on here to read about great people like yourself. Me not so much... I am so annoyed with myself right now - I have a list of excuses.. but I am at a set back and need to restart... so seeing you do this cold turkey... I know I can do it.. resetting :)
   
   Keep up the amazing work you are doing... I get the difficulty - for me it was what to do to keep me busy - I started a colouring book .. worked on that when I wanted to smoke - that helped for the first 2 weeks..but then I caved.
   
10. dublinguy

    

    379 posts
    Registered:
    09 Dec 2021
    23 Dec 2021 in reply to starryk

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    Stock up on hard boiled candies and chocolate. I plan on buying a big box of chocolates for Christmas day and ill sit down and eat the lot.

    Last modified on 23 Dec 2021 08:07 by dublinguy