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Surviving Spring Patio weather, any tips? Cancel The title field is required!

1. ocean

   

   286 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   11 Mar 2018

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   So, I can smell Spring approaching with the big melt around the corner.  I's soon going to be time to putter around your yard, on your porch, and outside walking the hood.  It;s the most social time of the year in my neck of the woods, and because I love being outdoors and talking with my community, it's also a huge trigger to smoke as I always did.
   
   I quit drinking over a year ago, and I found it hard to sit in my patio area, garden, and bbq last year.  My habit of drinking a few beers over a few hous of happily wallowing in the sun and puttering was intense.  And I wasn't craving beer, it was directly tied to having something to do while I sat for so long!  And so I spent a lot of time indoors.  I hope I can do it this year, with smoking.  I'm happy I bought the bike, so I can putter around on that and have no smoking memories. Last year I transfered a lot of plants, and after every one I smoked.  It's going to be a hard season for me, but I want to be out and enjoying it.  
2. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   11 Mar 2018

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   Hello Ocean,
   
   Great topic to bring up again as Spring approaches.  On the one hand, having more options to distract is so great.  However, it can be such a trigger as well.  
   
   I remember the bike you bought, yes that will be wonderful!  We can help you as you plan your days ahead, especially when gardening.  There will be another way to break in between, something to do.  We can brainstorm together as that time comes.  
   
   In the meantime, have fun thinking of yourself riding along in the fresh spring air.  
   
   Happy memories ahead!  
   
   Marianne
   
   
3. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   14 Mar 2018

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   Hi Ocean,
   
   I am also interested in this thread. I like nothing better than being outside doing lawn and garden stuff. In the past sitting back with a cigarette to admire the results of my green thumb was very much a thing. I also walked around the neighborhood with a cigarette between my fingers. So, how do I lounge in the yard without a cigarette?
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
4. brieffree

   

   1478 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   14 Mar 2018

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   Good Morning Ocean
   
   Is ok, you are doing so good, remember how far you did and how hard it was to quit!
   Now as Non Smokers We have a lot More time to Enjoy Everything we do, no matter what!
   
   Recently, I was doing the dishes, as always... then the stress come back, I said I am going to fight it. I focus more drying the dishes or cooking with love of what I am doing instead of failing into the crave. The result was incredible I felt so much relaxed and when I looked back is was worth it!
   
   Is all in our head, we have the power to bit it!
   
   One day at the time
   
5. lillian, quit coach

   

   220 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   14 Mar 2018

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   Great topic ocean!
   
   There are so many little moments in our lives that are attached to smoking. These will be moments you'll be facing in your first year of being smoke free. The first spring, the first time you step onto a deck in the morning warmth... the first birthday celebration, etc.
   
   brieffree has shared one way of getting through it, shifting your focus away from the memories and bringing yourself to the present moment. Really taking the time, to take note of the temperature, the sounds around you, the light and the smells and keeping your mind right there. Mindfulness is a powerful tool. As is moving like riding a bike Ocean. However,along with mindfulness, I would add that my favourite is deep breathing.
   
   As a non-smoker, you can really take in that deep inhale and really smell and appreciate the clean non smoke filled air!
   
   It will feel weird, you likely will have to keep re-focussing and trying out different things with your hands but in time, it will become really easy.
   
   Keep the ideas coming!
   
   Lillian
   
6. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   14 Mar 2018

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   Hi Ocean,
   
   Yes, you bring up a good topic.  I remember being leery of the warmer weather coming as well, because I used to get together with friends more outside and chat while having a smoke.  And I thought, now what?  But for me, I can be around people who are smoking and not indulge myself.  And also, I just got used to changing my routines when necessary.
   
   You may find that you are not huffing and puffing while gardening any more, which is a good thing.  And when you need a break, why not read a book outside?  Or spend more time watering the lawn?  Or sometimes I would wash some veggies, put them in a big bowl, and cut them while sitting outside.  Or get a lounge chair, lean back, and close your eyes for a while.
   
   You will find a way to change your routine, Ocean.  You did it with drinking, and you will do it with smoking.  Just keep giving it some thought so that you will be better prepared to handle the warmer days.
   
7. ocean

   

   286 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   03 Apr 2018

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   haha, Treepeo!  And everyone else whose commented.  i think it was the slightly 'ease and calm' high that alcohol produced in me that made me enjoy just sitting and puttering as I usually did.  When I quit drinking, I didn't have that gentle buzz that sedated me, so I didn't know how to get that ease and calm feeling that let me just putter.  I started smoking harder when I quit drinking just because I needed something stimulating to do, like the slight nicotine wakefulness high.  And it was hard to relax until summer, when it's too hot to spend hours puttering in the afternoon.  Man, am I ever addicted to my vices, eh?  So this Spring it will be somewhere between enhanced wakefulness (smoking affects) and ease and calm and passive (alchol depressant affects).  Maybe I'll just swim instead, becuase swimming gives me exhilertion and calm simultaneously, and I don't get overheated.  It's April 3rd today, had to wear my Parka to work this morning.  Thanking the heavens I have a couple of more weeks to figure this one out.  But if I have the exercise high, I just might be able to sit there mindlessly enjoying the breeze and and views after.
8. marianne, quit coach

   

   278 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   04 Apr 2018

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   Hello Ocean,
   
   
   Hope the weather is favourable soon.  And you have great plans of distraction with swimming and biking.  If your keen on more exercise, you may have heard we have the walk/run to quit program.  It is free when you use the coupon code WRTQ18.  Just want you to have the info.  More detail on runtoquit.ca
   
   Have a wonderful day!  
   
   Marianne