treepeo
832 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017
17 May 2019
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Hi tiny2018,
What you are feeling is perfectly normal. I think most of us smoked when we were stressed. But we also smoked for so many other reasons. We smoked when we were happy, sad, bored, celebrating, down in the dumps, and the list goes on. So when you quit, you have to find other ways of dealing with all of those emotions.
I remember using different distractions, but each time I would say to myself, "I am committed to changing my life for the better, and I choose not to smoke." So I would say that and then go for a walk, or immerse myself in a good book, or start playing a computer game. When the cravings got really bad, I would wait 10 minutes, and then another 10 minutes, and so on until it passed. And I kept up my inner mantra, "I am committed to changing my life for the better, and I choose not to smoke."
I don't know if this will help you, but you can give it a try. The thing is, it is very easy to allow ourselves to slip back into old habits. But it is helpful to be proactive and to stay in charge. Acknowledge that you are consciously making a decision not to smoke, no matter how hard it gets. Mentally reconfirm to yourself that you are committed and that you are calling the shots, not your addiction. Tell yourself that you will live by NOPE, Note One Puff Ever.
And remember to give yourself a pat on the back. Be proud of every moment that you remain smoke free. I know it's a struggle but it is so worth it. You will really enjoy the freedom of being a non-smoker.