Hi, Ann. Sorry I've not been around. Just got my Internet going again.
Distraction, that's what you need right now. Hopefully work will do it for you. You need to focus on something other than how you feel. Preferrably something that does not involve others (as much for their sake as yours :)).
Something that involves your hands is really good. Do you do crafts or knitting or sewing? A lot of people here clean and fix up their house during this time.
Second to physical distraction is mental. Reading is good if you can get deep into the story. Movies are good because (I assume) you never could smoke there. TV isn't so good because you'd smoke during the commercials (took me awhile to figure that one out).
IMO, exercise is the best way to squash a crave. Assuming you're physically able to do so, get out and walk briskly until you're winded. Inside you can do jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups. If you can't do a push-up (I couldn't), then lean against a kitchen cabinet facing it and do 1/2 push-ups. Focus on the exercise, the feelings of your muscles, and your breathing (like when you use deep breathing).
Five days is AWESOME, Ann. Look at that - 231 cigs not smoked. Fantastic!! :) I know it doesn't feel like it, but you really are doing great! Keep up the good quit.
Shevie
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 384
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 7,693
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1459.2
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 71 [B]Hrs:[/B] 16 [B]Mins:[/B] 56 [B]Seconds:[/B] 43