I feel like I need to keep updating how I am feeling because when I was still smoking I was most curious about what would happen to me. This is the main reason why I want to share this blog with other smokers. We are so afraid of going through the unknown. As a smoker, it is scary to not know what life is like without cigarettes. That used to be my biggest fear.
- How do I start my day without cigarettes and coffee?
- Well I still start my day with coffee. Strangely enough I stopped missing this routine quickly into my quit. Now I sleep in a little later than normal, and I still enjoy my morning coffee. I do miss sitting outside in the morning, but I think by the time spring is here I will be able to do so without triggering a craving.
- How do I reward myself for a job well done (cleaning, writing, working, cooking, projects)?
- I have found that I do not need a reward/break in between each and every task that I complete. This is really only an aspect of the nicotine addiction. What was really happening was my body withdrawing in between tasks. Now that I do not have that physical withdrawal every 1/2 hour, I do not "need" a reward.
- Talk to my mom or gram on the phone?
- This one is tough for me because the association with talking to them and smoking goes back decades. Literally since I was a teenager. Big time trigger. I actually have not talked to them as much as I usually do, which is sad and I miss them. I know once I get through the first long conversation my brain will rewire itself.
- Drive long distances?
- Long distance driving is about the boredom. Funny enough I do talk on the phone occasionally and that helps. Have you ever tried to smoke, drive and talk? It is challenging. So I have gotten an occasional call to Gram on my long drives. I have a harder time with the stress levels of driving in rush hour traffic to cause triggers more than anything.
- What do I do after I finish eating?
- Once again, I no longer need to satisfy a nicotine withdrawal. I really think that is why a cigarette seems so satisfying after a dinner. The social activity + not smoking for a period of time automatically makes the after eating cigarette much more satisfying. Those nicotine receptors are empty and begging to be filled.
- Will I enjoy my afternoon coffee?
- The only answer I need for this question is this:
- When I get angry, upset, sad, happy or bored?
- Dealing with the wide range of emotions has been quite an adventure. I have found that I can think clearly because I am not blaming my feelings on withdrawal. I am able to hash out my real feelings and try to decide how I want to deal with them. Not smoking during this time has been a challenge, but it has also been eye opening. I have realized that I did not even know the real me.
- How to end my day without smoking before bed?
- I write this blog to end my day, and I have to say that I really enjoy writing here. I enjoy thinking about my day, and sharing it with others. I fall asleep with a full breathe in my lungs and a clean mouth and teeth. My fingers and hair do not smell and I feel good about myself and my body. Instead of falling asleep wondering how fast I am killing myself, I fall asleep thinking of what a good thing I did today, not smoking.
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