Feeling down is a common part of withdrawal. In addition to withdrawing to the toxic chemicals smoking introduced, there are also many changes going on in your body.
When you smoked, nicotine triggered the release of neurotransmitters in your brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for good mood. When you quit, it isn't uncommon for your mood to take a nose dive.
This case of the blues is temporary and until it passes, there are a few things you can do:
* Exercise as it releases endorphins and these are also conducive to good mood.
* Rewarding yourself with something pleasurable. This triggers the same release of neurotransmitters we mentionned.
* Get outside and get adequate rest as these also affect your mood.
Remember that in addition to all the withdrawal symptoms you are also making a HUGE behaviour change. You may feel like you are losing a friend. You may feel like you are really missing out if you don't reward yourself and find replacement behaviours. This is temporary. Getting over the behavioural aspect of smoking is tough but it can be done. Keep working at it and soon you will feel better then ever. Willis, did you feel down when you were quitting smoking? If so how did you overcome this?
Red,
Great Red! Relaxing without a cigarette sounds like another first
. A reward does sound to be in order!
