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1. kate r, quit coach

   

   49 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jan 2019
   23 Jan 2019

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   Hi community members!
   
   Often as a quit coach, clients sometimes ask what works best to help distract them from the urge to smoke. We know smoking involves both behavioural and psychological aspects, and thus it may be helpful to consider engaging in activities that keep your hands, mouth, and mind busy.
   
   Some things that are good for the hands are knitting, playing a video game, or texting a friend. Chewing flavoured gum and brushing teeth are often good distractions for your mouth. Distractions of the mind might be to listen to music or complete a puzzle.
   
   Perhaps you can share one thing you would find as a good distraction from each category to keep your hands, mouth, and mind busy.
   
   Kind regards,
   Kate R
   

   Last modified on 23 Jan 2019 12:09 by kate r, quit coach
2. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   28 Jan 2019 in reply to kate r, quit coach

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   Kate R,
   
   The first few weeks of my quit there was very little that would keep my mind off smoking, but I did find that applying some mindfulness techniques helped me. In the mornings I started to make oatmeal, steel cut type you have to cook for like 25 minutes. Spent a lot of time stirring and just focusing on the oats, wondering where they grow them, the process of getting them to my table, and just stirring the oatmeal in a good and soothing method to get the best oatmeal. Amazing what that can do to provide a good distraction. 
3. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   28 Jan 2019 in reply to atp

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   Hi atp,
   
   Just gotta say I love the fact that you made steel cut oatmeal in the mornings.  What a super idea!
   
   When I was a smoker, I would choose smoking over breakfast any time.  When I quit smoking, I realized I had so much more free time on my hands.  So sometimes I would make myself some eggs for breakfast, which I never had time to do before.  It was great to start the day having a hearty breakfast.
4. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   29 Jan 2019 in reply to treepeo

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   Treepeo,
   
   Amazing what we can do with the extra time. I'm starting to realize how much time I wasted smoking. 
   
   The oatmeal was such a big part of my early quit. Mornings were so hard as I'm always up earlier than everyone else, so its the alone time....So keep busy trying to become an oatmeal master. Maybe one day I'll win the Golden Spurtle - can use my savings from not smoking to fly to Scotland for the annual oatmeal competition. Man the things I'll look up on the internet to keep my mind occupied. 
   
5. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   29 Jan 2019

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   Hi atp - I've been laughing since you first mentioned steel cut oatmeal.  Never had it before in my life until I quit.  I never really ate breakfast much before mind you - always running out the door to get to work.  I run a construction company so things tend to get going pretty early.  Now I make breakfast, sit at a real table to eat, and calmly plan my day.  I get to my office much later than previous to my quit, however I still seem to have more time.  It's amazing how much time I wasted smoking in a day. 
   
   And speaking of fun facts about steel cut oats, did you know they take three times longer to digest than rolled oats, making you feel full much longer? (can be a great way to lose weight).  Read that at the gym the other day.
   
   I'm rooting for your quit, but now I'm also rooting for you in the Golden Spurtle!
   
   
6. mari_m

   

   92 posts
   Registered:
   03 Jan 2019
   30 Jan 2019 in reply to efreeman75

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   Hi all, love the different ideas for distractions, I have tried several things, but a few weekends ago I walked across town and bought a thousand piece jigsaw puzzle and left it on my table. Decided not to move it off until it was finished. Figured it likely would be there for quite awhile, but couldn’t leave it alone for long and now its done!! Got me through some gloomy times, and what a challenge! 
   i had a good laugh about your oatmeal trivia atp, I cook oatmeal sometimes and add raisins to it when still cooking. A nice twist, if u like raisins. Hope everyone is staying warm!!  m
7. nadia b, quit coach

   

   47 posts
   Registered:
   18 Jan 2019
   30 Jan 2019

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   Hi Everyone!
   Looks like atp started a great trend with talking about those yummy steel cut oats. I've heard a lot of other people start focusing on other hobbies like cooking because of the distraction and wanting to start eating healthier. It's amazing the amount of time you spend thinking, planning and preparing for your next cigarette. I am so happy that everyone is using their time to invest in themselves and fueling their bodies with healthy options.
   
   -nadia b
   
8. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   30 Jan 2019 in reply to mari_m

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   mari_m,
   
   I so used to love doing jigsaw puzzles as a kid. That is actually a great idea for keeping oneself occupied during a quit. You bring the puzzle and I've a got a steaming hot bowl of oatmeal for you (I will not abide by raisins however, LOL).
   
   It really is about finding something to keep ourselves occupied with though. 
9. atp

   

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

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   And efreeman, you're invited as well for the jigsaw puzzle and oatmeal party. 
   
   BTW - I do building envelope consulting, so am up early as well. And have to deal with all the guys on sites smoking away (first 2 weeks I was ready to kill for a smoke during some of my site inspections, lately though it doesn't bother me). 
10. eagerquit

    

    415 posts
    Registered:
    07 Mar 2018
    30 Jan 2019

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    Hi Everyone,
    
    kate r mentioned a couple of things I have enjoyed since I quit. One in particular is different flavours of gum. I have enjoyed trident, juicy fruit and excel in various flavours including spearmint, my particular joy.
    
    Breakfasts have become a big deal for me. I start with cereal covered with berries, flax seeds, walnut pieces, cinnamon and of course milk. For milk, I have done coconut, soya and other flavours. On the side, I have toast with jam or jelly from the variety in my fridge.
    
    Wishing everyone another smoke free day!
    
    Eagerquit
    
    
11. mari_m

    

    92 posts
    Registered:
    03 Jan 2019
    01 Feb 2019 in reply to eagerquit

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    Hi all. Eagerquit, I think your breakfast cereal sounds really good! I love trying different combinations of food, and yes now with the extra time we have with not smoking, a lot more time is spent on new recipes. Assorted gum flavours sound good also. Atp, I do love parties ha! Its so good to have a laugh now and then. We have all worked so hard, we deserve it! Hope everyone is having another great smoke free day  -m
12. marianne, quit coach

    

    278 posts
    Registered:
    30 Nov 2017
    02 Feb 2019

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    Greetings All,
    
    What a great conversation you all are having.  Puzzles so engage the mind while keeping your mind occupied.  And of course so much fun, nostalgic of our youth as atp shared which can continue on for sure- so good to hear your triggers at work have subsided.  Variety of gum flavours to look forward to is an important strategy eagerquit.  
    
    Overall, you all find food a pleasure- breakfast in particular.  Mari_m, getting creative with introducing new food combos really stimulates the palette.  And a good sense of humour to ease the mind goes a long way!
    
    Enjoy your weekend everyone-  intriguing puzzles and hearty breakfast.  
    
    Marianne