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1. me_n_freedom

   

   43 posts
   Registered:
   14 Sep 2018
   Answered

   05 Jul 2019

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   Today is my first free day. 
   With the help of medication, was able to reduce from 10 a day to 3 yesterday. Cravings weren't that bad and it was starting to not be "enjoyable". 
   My convictions of freeing myself from this slavery is now stronger and I just follow it instead of having to bring myself to being free.
   Why for so many years did I allow my body to be used as a chimney to benefit some big companies... I don't know maybe a deeper analysis is needed.
   But for now, in the mean time, this smoking train as come to a full stop. I am coming out of it with money in one hand and all the freedom from being able to do and be how I know I was meant to be.
   
   I am alive and kicking!!!!
   
   
2. steven, quit coach

   

   40 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   Answered

   05 Jul 2019 in reply to me_n_freedom

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   Me_n_freedom:
   
   Congratulations on beginning your smoke-free journey! You really sound motivated to quit smoking!
   
   What are some other ways you deal with urges or cravings?
   
   Keep up the great work, we are all rooting for you at Smokers' Helpline!
   
   -Steven (Quit Coach)

   Last modified on 05 Jul 2019 15:19 by steven, quit coach
3. me_n_freedom

   

   43 posts
   Registered:
   14 Sep 2018
   Answered

   05 Jul 2019 in reply to steven, quit coach

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   Thank you for you support:)
   
   It is my first time with medication. I gave myself the full 10days like the Dr and pharmacist both told me and I patiently waited for the signs an feeling of just not wanting to continue anymore, didn't want to pressure myself, so I went gently and it came.
   
   Plus with this morning nausea (even when I eat food) it's just not pleasant, so I started reducing over the past few days and this morning, "no thanks" my body said.
   
   During that week it gave me time to find more interesting hobbies: watching videos on how to quit, why quit , what smoking does to your body, drinking water, sleeping, catching up on some/few episodes and keeping busy.
   
   It's not a total breeze or walk in the park but I was starting to feel a pain in my heart everytime I would do it and the smell got to me too.
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   Answered

   05 Jul 2019 in reply to me_n_freedom

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   Hi me_n_freedom,
   
   Way to go!  It sounds like you are well and truly ready to quit smoking for good.
   
   You are smart to find different hobbies now.  I found that keeping busy and distracting myself was very useful when I quit.
   
   I know it's hard, but it does get easier over time.  And you have realized that smoking does nothing good for you.  It only puts your money in someone else's pockets, and they could care less about your health and well-being.  So you have to take care of yourself.
   
   Keep up the good work.  I am rooting for you!
   
5. me_n_freedom

   

   43 posts
   Registered:
   14 Sep 2018
   Answered

   08 Jul 2019

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   Had to resort to listening to meditation music to fall asleep, spent the whole day running away from this bad craving yesterday. I feel like the more I caught it the more it wanted to stay. I didn't have in, I held up my part and won the battle.
   I felt like there was a devil/angel sitting on each shoulders and they argues back and forth all day.
   On top of that I had to endure nausea...
   It wasn't easy, today I don't know what is going to bring.
   I just want to be calmly free without drama .
6. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   Answered

   08 Jul 2019 in reply to me_n_freedom

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   me_n_freedom,
   
   I hear you. I remember my struggles in the first few days of my quit - I had a raging headache for a couple of days and was so upset thinking 'great, on top of trying to quit i have to deal with this headache!'. Duh! It was part of my withdrawal. And I don't think I had a proper sleep for the first 2 weeks. 
   
   You know what though - that's your body and mind starting to fight the addict in your head. You need to set the ground rules and tell that smoking addict where to go.  You are better than that addict!
7. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   08 Jul 2019 in reply to me_n_freedom

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   And  another thing - keep talking, writing, pouring out your thoughts and feelings. It helps.
   
   We've got your back here, and if you are desperate call the smokers help line 1 877 513-5333. They are awesome!
   
8. me_n_freedom

   

   43 posts
   Registered:
   14 Sep 2018
   Answered

   09 Jul 2019 in reply to atp

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   Thank you for your encouragement.
   
   Today wasn't easy either but at work I'm busy so it's a bit easier
9. me_n_freedom

   

   43 posts
   Registered:
   14 Sep 2018
   Answered

   09 Jul 2019

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   Today I was thinking, how was I before I started this smoking thing? What was I keeping busy with. I think it defined and kept me busy for so many years that now it's like I don't know what to do with myself anymore.
   Oh and gave up coffee soon after quitting too as it was getting my heart racing. Anyone else had that happened to them?
   Keep busy having classical music, gospel, and self help videos playing in the background when I work find it calms me.
10. jenna c, quit coach

    

    58 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2018
    Answered

    09 Jul 2019

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    Good evening everyone! 
    
    For sure the first 3 days are the hardest when quitting and can last for two weeks typically.
    
    It's true me_n_freedom at times one may feel like the angel/devil is sitting there back and forth convincing to not smoke or smoke. We recommend trying to use more positive self-talk to help prevent relapses, for example:
    "I can do this and will be free"
    "You're  a non-smoker!"
    "Review your reasons for quitting"
    "I can't just have one or I will go back"
    
    Along with self-talk using the 4 d's can help with cravings or urges-
    Delay- they will go away in a few minutes
    Distract- find something to do; walking, reading, tv, puzzles, fidget toys, listening to music, etc
    Deep Breathing- breath in slowly and deeply and breath out
    Drink water-drink it slowly and keep in mouth awhile.
    
    Remember it's easy to come up with reasons why we think we may need to smoke but the benefits of quitting will always out weigh them. Never give up quitting and realize it will get easier.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Jenna C