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old habit cravings bad today Cancel

1. tiny2018

   

   55 posts
   Registered:
   23 Mar 2019
   17 May 2019

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   today is day 3 for me and have been doing well as am finding if I can keep myself in the present and now I seem to be able to stay smoke free. finding helps with some triggers as if am in the present and now the bad nicotine habit I had isn't always on my mind. I just found out earlier that my worker is retiring end of june and now all I am finding is that I want to smoke and smoking will take my mind off the leaving. it is a old habit I developed to deal with bad news that used quite often in my life so it is coming back to haunt me. it seems insesent and wont give up and am finding it hard for me staying in the present which has helped me quite often. I have been watching old movies on tv and have at times just got up out of my chair just to try and break that old thinking. it isn't giving up and at a loss as to how to get ahead of this breaking the cravings. I decided to come here and read some posts and ask if anyone knows or has any ideas that I could try and do and break this old thinking causing the cravings.
2. 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.
   
3. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   17 May 2019

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   hi tiny2018,
   
   Congratulations on being on day 3! This is a tough day for most.
   
   Glad that using mindfulness and being present is a strategy that is working for you to stay smoke-free. 
   
   Since you smoked for so long, it is going to take more than 3 days to get used to not thinking about smoking when you hear bad news. Or when you need to take a break...etc. But good news! The more you practice your mindfulness the sooner THAT will become the automatic go-to that you turn to in these moments, and soon smoking will be replaced by a healthy habit.
   
   Treepo, as usual, you have awesome advice! That positive self-talk and mantras you do are other ways to practice mindfulness, so that may really work for tiny.
   
   Keep up the incredible work you are doing, and rest assured, it definitely gets easier after day 3
   
   Best,
   
   Jenna
4. tiny2018

   

   55 posts
   Registered:
   23 Mar 2019
   18 May 2019

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   thanks for the advice. I am going see about coming up some mantres I can say to myself when this happens. as well yes the mindfulness and staying in the present not thinking about smoking doing that is so helpful but I do need  to practice more to find something I can do am thinking breathing or some meditation. I do still use the losenges which has really helped me stay to my quit as well. last night what I decided to do was I went in bed and curled up and focused on my mind becoming empty and relaxing for a while and I was staying there for a while and once I was able to relax and be mindful again I was going to get up which is what I did and got a cup of tea and feeling better. this morning when I got up I couldn't believe it I woke up grabbed my phone and walked into the kitchen to make a coffee. Missing anything? when I woke up I didn't  first thing before I did anything put a lozenge in my mouth before did anything. I didn't realize it until was making my coffee. 
5. brieffree

   

   1477 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   18 May 2019 in reply to tiny2018

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   Hi Tiny2018
   
   I think you are doing great! Keep trying, whatever take you free is work it!.
   Give yourself a credit! Regard your self for been smoke free each day!
   
   Think Positive, How to reach your goal! Freedom of smoke!
   
   You can do it!