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Tomorrow- Anxious

43 posts, 1 answered
  1. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    20 Apr 2019
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    Hello-
    Im Kit. Well my quit date has arrived- it is tomorrow. I am new. Trying to find yet another reason to push my date back YET AGAIN !  
  2. linda, quit coach
    linda, quit coach avatar
    146 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    20 Apr 2019
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    Hi Kit,

    Welcome and congratulations for making this important decision to quit smoking! We are happy to have you here with us! You seem well-prepared and motivated, and you have set a quit date for tomorrow – That’s wonderful!

    As we know, smoking cessation can be difficult and it’s quite normal to feel a little bit anxious and want to push away your quit date. But know that you are not alone in your quit journey and we are here for you. You can call us at 1-877-513-5333 if you have any questions or concerns.

    Sometimes, talking to somebody can be helpful and other times, you are strong enough to persevere and rely on yourself, your strengths and your reasons for quitting. You know yourself best and you have worked very hard to get to this point. We encourage you to go with what works for you. Do you have a plan for tomorrow?

    Many people find helpful to use the 4 D’s:

    Deep breathing will help you relax and focus on something else

    Drink water will help you clean your system and keeps your hands and mouth busy

    Distraction such as go for a walk, play a game, text a friend, go to the gym etc.

    Delay – Cravings don’t last very long, usually about 5 to 10 minutes

    Know that everyone is different, some people prefer to quit cold turkey and others prefer to use some quit aids like the patch, the nicotine gum or inhaler. Each method has its own qualities that appeal to each person. You can try one approach and then switch to another one if needed. If you are interested to use a quit aid, please discuss with a doctor or pharmacist about your options, how to use the aids properly and the right dosage.

    We’re wishing you the best of luck and thank you for being here!

    Last modified on 20 Apr 2019 16:02 by linda, quit coach
  3. lucky
    lucky avatar
    32 posts
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    13 Feb 2019
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    20 Apr 2019 in reply to kit
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    Hi Kit,

    Welcome to Smokers Helpline!

    Congratulations of making the decision to quit smoking and having set a quit date, that shows your determination.
     I too was afraid before my quit date, because the cigarette had become a part of my live.
    I missed my best friend, but that friend gave me chronic bronchitis to the point that I was unable to breath anymore!
    I am now smoke free for 2 1/2 month and I cannot describe the benefit of having quit.
    Also, I could not have done it without the support of Smokers Helpline. Come here every day and read through the posts, very helpful.

    Tomorrow is your quit date, so be prepared as how to handle sudden cravings: Change your morning routine, distract yourself, have a water bottle handy and drink lots of water. The cravings only last a few minutes.
    You can do this!

  4. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
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    20 Apr 2019
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    Hi kit,

    So glad you joined us.  I can relate to how anxious you feel about quitting.  We are all in the same boat.  We are all addicts, and quitting is hard in so many ways.  But it IS possible to quit.  Try to change your routines and avoid triggers.  Drink lots of water, and do things to distract yourself.  Make a list of all of the reasons why you want to quit, and read it often.

    Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms.  They can take many forms.  You might feel spacy, or on edge, or you might have difficulty sleeping.  Withdrawal affects people in different ways, but the symptoms are all normal.  Most of us smoked most of our lives, so to suddenly stop feeding all those chemicals to our bodies takes a toll.  Just know that withdrawal is temporary, and when you get over those symptoms, you will feel better than ever.

    Instead of feeling anxious, try to get excited about your quit.  Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you could ever do for yourself.  Not only will you feel better physically, but you will smell better, and you will be free from the chains of this horrible addiction.  Give quitting a shot.  You may be pleasantly surprised by what you can accomplish.
  5. berndt72
    berndt72 avatar
    4 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    21 Apr 2019
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    My quit date is tomorrow as well. I have already started to cut myself back from pack and a bit a day to only 4-5 smokes a day.For the past 4 days. My question is it normal to feel light headed and dizzy off and on.??
  6. berndt72
    berndt72 avatar
    4 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    21 Apr 2019
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    Sorry I should of read the post fully.My quit date is tomorrow April 22nd/2019
  7. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
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    21 Apr 2019 in reply to berndt72
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    Hi berndt72,

    Yes, those are normal withdrawal symptoms.  Your body is trying to adjust to getting lower doses of the chemicals it has become used to.  So you might feel lightheaded, dizzy, or spacy.  Try to breathe through it.  I know it's not easy going through withdrawal, but those symptoms will not last forever.  Remember to be kind to yourself.  Do things that will make you happy, because that will help you get through the hard times in your quit.
  8. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
    1478 posts
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    28 Nov 2017
    22 Apr 2019
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    All  new Quitters

    Welcome to help line

    And Congrats in your quit! Do not be afraid! Life is so much Better without Smoke!

    Please Post how you feel!

    Everyday is a try, never give up! 
  9. efram, quit coach
    efram, quit coach avatar
    239 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    06 May 2019
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    It's common to procrastinate. Like lucky mentioned, if you have a quit date it shows that you're intent on quitting soon. That's a good thing! Pushing the date back once or twice probably won't make a big difference, and may work in your favor (i.e., more time to prepare). But if it's happening "YET AGAIN!" then it might help to explore why ...

    There's an interesting article about procrastination here:

    https://solvingprocrastination.com/why-people-procrastinate/

    The article includes 27 (!) reasons why people procrastinate. Based on this, it's amazing that anyone ever gets anything done, let alone quitting smoking!

    With quitting, often the procrastination boils down to some combination of anxiety (as kit and treepeo mentioned), fear (of failure), with perhaps a dash of ambivalence (wanting to quit but also, as lucky mentioned, still feeling that cigarettes are "friends," etc.). Also it may be hard to want to want to suffer through cravings and withdrawals in the present for a less tangible benefit (money, health, etc.) that your future self will enjoy (what did that future self ever do for you, anyway?!).

    For those of you who've plucked up your courage, set a quit date and stuck with it, how did you successfully combat the urge to procrastinate?

  10. merline, quit coach
    merline, quit coach avatar
    130 posts
    Registered:
    12 Sep 2018
    13 May 2019 in reply to kit
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    Hello Kit,

    It's true that quitting is not easy but I know you can do it with the right support.
    Kit make sure you have a quit plan because creating a quit-smoking plan may improve your chances of quitting for good. Having a plan helps you set expectations, line up the support you need, prepare for cravings, identify and practice coping skills, and stay motivated.

    Please know that you are not alone in your quit journey. We invite you to contact us at 1-877-513-5333 if you have any questions or concerns.

    Did you manage to quit?

    We look forward to hear from you again






    Last modified on 13 May 2019 17:53 by merline, quit coach
  11. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    28 Oct 2019 in reply to merline, quit coach
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    Hi Merline- Kit here. Im not exactly sure how to post as opposed to reply- or are they the same?So I am hoping this gets posted.Today was my quit day and last night I changed it to next Monday.I became anxious and beyond scared. My father recently passed away- and yet again found another excuse not to quit.I have my evaluation this week at work- thus another excuse not to quit. I have 10 years of quitting in a 12 Step program and felt terrified all night - feeling that I would relapse in my 12 Step program if I quit smoking. The only way (I feel) is to be 100 percent honest. I feel ashamed of my self. In the past I would just stop posting  and be afraid to admit that I did not quit today and changed my quit date but realize this will only keep the cycle going. Wanted to just put this " out there " and be honest. It was being honest that enabled me to have multiple years of quitting in my 12 Step program and feel I must be 100 percent honest re my smoking. 

  12. atp
    atp avatar
    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    28 Oct 2019 in reply to kit
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    kit,

    Being nervous and anxious before making a big change, and quitting smoking is a big change, is natural. 

    The one thing that helped me with my last quit, after many attempts over the years, was I changed my attitude. Instead of thinking i was losing something, I focused on what i was gaining - improved breathing, getting rid of that nasal congestion, better smelling breath, no more yellow fingers, freedom from needing a smoke, etc. 

    It may help you to take stock of all the good things, and also realize all the negative sof smoking. I know it is easier said than done, but you can focus in on one thing at a time. You know in the first day of my quit I had a shower in the morning, by end of the day I took my clothes off and took a whiff and they still smelled pretty good - no stale smoke smell. Just the small things to notice. 

    Maybe see if you can break the usual habits of smoking this week. Maybe stop smoking in the car, or don't go for a smoke at break time, or instead of a smoke after dinner just go for a 5 minute walk without your smokes. Think of it as a kind of a quitting test drive.
  13. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
    Registered:
    18 Apr 2019
    28 Oct 2019 in reply to atp
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    Thanks atp- I like the idea of a test drive. I kind of did that today. Smoked in car to work but not back from work. Small steps. I dont even go  for a smoke break at work. It never even crosses my mind- funny that! Thank you. I have changed my quit date to this coming Monday. Driving is a huge trigger for me so booked the day off work next Monday. I feel DETERMINED and ready to quit then in the mornings it all seems to fade- the determination the desire...
    I like the idea of using this week as a test drive ! Thank you.
  14. justfortoday
    justfortoday avatar
    168 posts
    Registered:
    12 Aug 2019
    28 Oct 2019 in reply to kit
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    Hi kit!

    I thought of something while I was reading your post that might compliment what atp said about "test driving".

    Driving was a huge trigger for me as well. So before my actual quit date I "replaced" smoking with something else. For example, I would make the biggest coldest smoothie the world has ever seen and I put it where I would keep my cigarettes (which ironically was the cup holder). It kind of conditioned me for when the real day arrived and I couldn't smoke.

    So yeah ... start the test drive now, and help to retrain your brain. And come here often because we can definitely do this together!
  15. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
    Registered:
    18 Apr 2019
    29 Oct 2019 in reply to justfortoday
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    Hi justfortoday.
    Yes- the driving in the car is the most difficult. I keep my cigarettes in the cup holder. Coffee in one holder and cigarettes in the other. Trying this morning a big ice cold water and lemonade - for some reason the taste of lemons helps with cravings. I will keep coming to this forum. Normally I would just stop coming to this forum when I feel Ihave failed-feel ashamed and just shut down. This Quit I will not do that ! I will return - be honest and keep asking for help ! Thank you.
  16. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
    Registered:
    18 Apr 2019
    03 Nov 2019
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    Hi- Tomorrow is my quit day that I pushed back a week. Not sure if I feel more ready or if will ever feel  really ready. I have my plan in place and did read the article posted about Why People Procrastinate- really helpful.There will never be a " Perfect Time " to quit. And tomorrow is the time. Keep you posted. Good to know this forum is always here!! Thank You !
    Last modified on 03 Nov 2019 13:19 by kit
  17. justfortoday
    justfortoday avatar
    168 posts
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    12 Aug 2019
    03 Nov 2019 in reply to kit
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    Hi kit,

    I'm happy to see you back!

    Listen, please don't be hard on yourself because you feel you have procrastinated. I think it's super common, and the most important thing is you have a plan and tomorrow is your date!

    We are right here with you, kit, so just keep reaching out and be gentle with yourself.

    You can do this!!
  18. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
    Registered:
    18 Apr 2019
    04 Nov 2019 in reply to justfortoday
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    Hi-Justfortoday-
    I woke this morning and first thing I thought was- Ah -I should push my quit date back again. Then thought  - I should buy some cigarettes - I have done neither. Used one of the 4 D's- delayed- and counted to 10. Afraid to leave my house . I have booked off work- as smoking in car is HUGE TRIGGER- may end up not leaving  house at all as the temptetation to buy a package is HUGE. I seem to think there is a "perfect day" to quit- there really is not- just the day...
    Thanks for being here/there. Let you know how my day goes.
  19. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
    Registered:
    18 Apr 2019
    04 Nov 2019 in reply to atp
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    Hi atp-
    Thank you for reaching out ! Today is my quit day. I did a lot of reading on the weekend and am really trying to think of all I am gaining by not smoking. A whole different way of thinking- a better way of thinking ! Let you know how my day goes!
  20. justfortoday
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    168 posts
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    12 Aug 2019
    04 Nov 2019
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    Hey kit!

    Bravo for pushing yourself! You didn't push back your quit date ... you didn't go out to buy a pack of smokes... that took courage.

    I'm sure you know the next few days are going to be a battle, but each day you choose not to smoke gives YOU the win.

    Getting through those first several days was super hard for me. One of the things that helped me was treating myself the way I would take care of one of my kids if they were going through the pangs of withdrawal. I'd make homemade chicken soup, have a warm bath, wrap myself in a blanket and binge watch really bad tv. Self soothing is important and you totally get to indulge right now.

    Stay strong kit!

    Last modified on 04 Nov 2019 21:34 by justfortoday
  21. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    05 Nov 2019 in reply to justfortoday
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    Hi-justfortoday. Made it through my first day. I did push it back from Yesterday to today (Tuesday)  The driving was not as hard as I anticipated. Someone told me to use cinnamon sticks and keep them in an old cigarette package. It seemed to help- just the hand to mouth thing. Pretended I was smoking- it helped! Best was not smelling like smoke when I arrived at work. I do feel EXHAUSTED- is this normal? Could hardly keep my eyes open at work. One day- adds to two days to three days etc. Just feel relieved that the drive to and from work was not as difficult as I thought ! Hope you had a good day! Let you know how tomorrow goes...
  22. treepeo
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    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    05 Nov 2019 in reply to kit
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    Hi kit,

    It's great that you made it through today, and that the car ride was not as bad as you thought it would be.  I think using cinnamon sticks is a great idea, especially if the hand to mouth thing is important to you.

    Yes, exhaustion is normal.  Being anxious uses up a lot of energy.  And your body is also struggling to adjust to this new normal of not inhaling nicotine and all those poisons.  Withdrawal can cause a multitude of different symptoms, so try not to worry about it.  And sleep as much as you can, because you don't crave when you  sleep, which is a real relief.

    Congrats on making it through today.  Keep up the good work!
  23. justfortoday
    justfortoday avatar
    168 posts
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    12 Aug 2019
    05 Nov 2019 in reply to kit
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    kit!
    One day done!! Fantastic.

    As treepeo said, the exhaustion is real! I fell asleep at my desk more than once in those early days. You are healing, my friend, and that takes work. Physically and mentally.

    I'm proud of you, kit, and be gentle with yourself.

    I'll check in on you tomorrow. 😁
  24. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    06 Nov 2019 in reply to justfortoday
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    Hi justfortoday- just did an entire reply and accidentally deleted it! Grrr... going into day number two. Check in tonight- feeling angry- but determined not to pick up a cigarette! Check in after work if thats ok ! Have a good day !- Kit
  25. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    06 Nov 2019 in reply to treepeo
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    Hi treepeo- Thank you for your support. Day 1 over. Heading into day 2. Feeling angry - which I have heard is normal but determined not to " pick up" a cigarette today. One day at a time. Checkin tonight after work if thats ok ? Have a good day !- Kit
  26. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    07 Nov 2019 in reply to justfortoday
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    Third day of not smoking.One of the worst days EVER at work- family situation a little rocky today- lots of crummy things going on today but didn't smoke! Some where deep inside I felt like smoking would only make everything worse ! Going to watch some crappy tv and go to sleep ! Hope all had a good day- Kit
  27. treepeo
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    832 posts
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    07 Nov 2019 in reply to kit
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    Hi kit,

    I'm sorry to hear that you had such a lousy day.  Sometimes things just seem to go from bad to worse.  Hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day.

    Despite the obstacles, you remained smoke free, which is amazing.  While stress can be a major trigger, most of us have used it as an excuse to give up on our quit at one time or another.  The thing is, there will always be stress in our lives.  We just have to learn to deal with it without smoking.

    You should be really proud of yourself for hanging tough.  You are strong and determined, and you sure proved your commitment today.  Way to go, kit!
  28. ocean
    ocean avatar
    286 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    08 Nov 2019 in reply to treepeo
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    Hi Kit, how are you?  Your post is so familiar to me as I keep setting up a quit time frame and then get distracted, or very afraid.  I'm going to join you here and start cutting down and pushing myself to go completely smoke free.  I use NRT's to help combat the general irritableness I feel in withdrawl.  You go girl, I'm rooting for you.  And I also love all of the other suggestions here from our helpful nonsmokers, you guys are the best!!  Sometimes it's just being there for us that helps to motivate or sympathize.  I'm trying to get past my "poor me, pity party" that I have to quit, it's freaking scary.
  29. kit
    kit avatar
    91 posts
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    18 Apr 2019
    10 Nov 2019
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    Its Sunday- Sundays feel a bit like a Friday night- good day to smoke A LOT ! Day number 6-smoke free.Some times it feels so very very hard.I know if I have just one- I will be back to an entire pack tomorrow! At least for me " one is to many and a thousand is never enough"
    Sometimes nothing will fill that huge hole that smoking seemed to fill.
    Feel like I need to understand what the smoking was covering up !
    Lots of crappy tv - the patch- and my cinnamon sticks seems to be what my Sunday is going to be. IT FEELS (I have heard this a lot) that I have lost my LOYAL BEST FRIEND who for years and years was always with me through thick and thin- MISS SMOKING !
     Kit

  30. treepeo
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    832 posts
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    10 Nov 2019
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    Hi kit,

    Congratulations on being smoke free for 6 days.  That is amazing!  Good for you!

    I know it's still very hard to deal with the cravings, and to know what to do with yourself now that you don't smoke.  But you are absolutely right.  You cannot have even one puff, otherwise all of your efforts with have been in vain.  You must live by NOPE, Not One Puff Ever.  As long as you do not take one puff, you will remain a non-smoker.

    It will get easier with time, kit.  You have to be patient.  I remember how difficult those early days were, and how determined I was to make this quit count.  And now, I rarely think of smoking at all.  It's actually incredible how far removed smoking is to me.  The same thing will happen to you, but it is a process that takes time.  Meanwhile, keep on trucking.  You are doing great, and you should be really proud of yourself!
43 posts, 1 answered