Also maybe get a punching bag would help but I would probably throw my back out punching it...It would be a good work out though...Maybe finding a mountain top and screaming my lungs out...of course I can't even walk up a small grade at this point...but this are a few things to look forward to doing once I quit smoking and can breathe again...
Now be sure to remember to take regular breaks/ use coping mechanisms often. Just think how many times a day you would take a break to have a cigarette. Now you deserve those little breaks more then ever, just don't include the cigarette and find a replacement.
This is a tough one to answer...Take a shower to relax..Spend so time reading on my ereader or working on a hobby. Go for a walk at the mall or outdoors would be even better when its cool enough. Lay down and shut my eyes and maybe take a little nap, that would be a change..
Hey it's not as tough as I thought..
Thanks for asking..and making me think about it...
The anxiety/anger/agitation is a common concern while quitting. It is related to withdrawal and will pass in time but it also related to the change in behaviour. In the past you may have smoked a cigerette in order to relax, celebrate, cope with an uncomfortable emotion etc. What are some replacement coping mechanisms you can use to deal with these feelings?
My breathing was much better during the the 12 hours. I did start to feel myself getting a little angry towards the end...
As for coping strategies, when I woke up in the morning I decided to get something to eat first thing instead of smoke..I go to thinking about HALT because Breather puts this on all his posts..So I decided to give it a try..So I had breakfast and then went back to sleep. I found that I was hungry and tired both so what I really needed was food and sleep..When I got up I relaxed on the couch because I was feeling very tired without the nicotine. I read on various web sites and spent the day eating raw vegetables and just trying to stay calm..The agitation/anger/anxiety was my down fall..
Today I am limiting my smoking to once a hour or less...I wanted to go cold turkey again but am not sure if I can do it this time..I tried the chantix and it made me feel depressed, so because of my history I felt it was a better idea for me to stay away from it..Anyway I have collected lots of NRT's over the years so I will be giving the nicotine Lozenges a try again..They helped me in the past..I do not want to be on them for to long because they constrict your arteries just like cigarettes do and I have blood pressure issues etc. It really is kind of a doubled edged sword of sorts..
For now I am going to concentrate on being able to breathe better and the lozenges will help me do that..
Just a little update on my quit. I have been cutting back on the amount I smoke today and was able to go without smoking for 12 hours today. Tomorrow is another day and I am hopeful that it will be better even better than today.
Sorry to hear that you are feeling low today, on the plus side you seem to be really in tune with yourself so much that you know this is not right for you. Stay strong, push forward and work on your new quit plan.
Thank you for posting..I really appreciate your support and encouraging words. Since you have not given up on me I guess the least I can do is heed your advice and not give up on myself or my quit..It may take me a few times to get it right..but I know I will find what works for me if I just keep at it....
Hi jdoe , have a great weekend and don't be down over your quit attempt. You have learned a few things and are now better equiped for the fight. You are wise to take some time to rest and reflect but I hope you come back soon ( a few days) and go for it again with renewed vigor! We are all rooting for you jdoe !
