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Quitting again


10 years ago 0 87 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Carlos way to go know where you coming from quit several times before . 62 days done this time , hoping it will be last time . I also found thinking of my children at stressful times , thinking would I like to see them smoke if I continue or might never see grow up if I continue to smoke . I just get up every morning and vow not to smoke today . Best of luck always think why you doing quit
10 years ago 0 115 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Carlos, Your certainly not on your own when you say you find it difficult to deal with stress without resorting to smoking! The one thing I am getting to recognise is....both smokers and non smokers all have to deal with stress. We, however, want a bit of what they've got and that is there method of dealing with stressful situations without resorting to smoking. We have clearly over the years learned to cope with stress by smoking! Now we must find an alternative! We must learn to cope in a way that doesn't induce more stress, Try looking around you, how are others coping? It can be done and there are plenty of people here who can help us on our way! I am on my 15th attempt and just approaching my previous record of six months! I still have stress but know smoking is not the solution! Good luck with your quest and keep watching those days add up! N.O.P.E. Viv
  • Quit Meter

    $28,469.40

    Amount Saved

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    Days: 516 Hours: 9

    Minutes: 59 Seconds: 0

    Life Gained

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    4126

    Smoke Free Days

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    82,520

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

10 years ago 0 1853 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Carlos, 

Welcome back - you know we're always here for you!  I'm happy to know you are continuing to pursue this fight and do what you need to do to be smoke-free. 
Stress is a set back for the majority of people attempting to quit.  What are other ways you deal with stress?  What has helped you in the past?

Hot Si02 said it very well "Think about it this way... Stress and worrying is like paying interest on a debt you may not even owe..."
That's a powerful statement to consider when you find yourself starting to worry or stress about things. 

Keep us posted on your progress Carlos - you can do it!!
Vincenza, Health Educator
10 years ago 0 1140 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello Carlos,
 
I'm glad you came back.
 
A few things that I have found to be helpful when stressing are: exercise, deep breathing, and mints.
 
Exercise is helpful for the overall stress management, since it just keeps me calmer in general.
 
And during those moments that produce a lot of anxiety, I just take in deep breaths, hold for a second or two and then release. I've found that if I pair deep breathing with a really strong mint in my mouth, it kind of replaces that sensation of inhaling smoke. (Back in the day, I started with menthols. So maybe that is why.)
 
Also, realize that smoking really does nothing to lower your stress levels. It actually raises blood pressure and anxiety, since nicotine is a stimulant. I have been so much calmer since I've quit. I really had no idea how hyper and intense I was when I still smoked. 
 
Please stick around and post when you are stressed. And wait for 3 responses before smoking. Like they say, the urge should be gone by then.
 
You have been coming back here for a while now. I would really like to see you beat the addiction this time.  
  • Quit Meter

    $22,577.60

    Amount Saved

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    Days: 603 Hours: 14

    Minutes: 24 Seconds: 31

    Life Gained

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    4384

    Smoke Free Days

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    87,680

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

10 years ago 0 2778 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey Carlos!!!
 
       Welcome back, buddy!!!  You ARE going to defeat your demon, Carlos.  For some it takes more than a couple attempts and I seem to recall that 7 attempts it the AVERAGE!  I know I certainly did not achieve my freedom the first or fifth try!    All I know is that those who kept quitting eventually did quit!  
 
       I have faith in you, Carlos, as well as you, Snice!  You know what to do and how to do it!  The tools for your success are right here and in your mind!  Stress sucks and most of us will never be able to avoid it!  If you want to quit, you have to commit to N.O.P.E. and absolutely NOT use stress as an excuse to smoke!  Smoking does not reduce or eliminate your stress... most of the time it only adds more stress to your life because you know that it is taking away your freedom!   Think about it this way... Stress and worrying is like paying interest on a debt you may not even owe...
 
       Remember to come back and post before you ever think about lighting up another cigarette!  Rant and rave and get it out of your system!  Wait for a reply or two... read some new posts and respond to them... JUST  DON"T  SMOKE!!!  Early on, I used this sight as a distraction.  You can do the same thing.  If you stay away too long, usually bad things happen!    Stick close, buddies!  You CAN do this!!
 
                Jim
 
       
  • Quit Meter

    $44,317.50

    Amount Saved

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    Days: 1060 Hours: 18

    Minutes: 22 Seconds: 17

    Life Gained

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    5909

    Smoke Free Days

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    177,270

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

10 years ago 0 187 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Carlos, nice to see that you came back and are ready to try again.  I also messed up my last attempt at quitting.  I had 3 months in and fell off the wagon, just didn't quite know how to deal with the stress.  I'm also using the patch, I don't know if I'd be able to do it without any help.  I don't plan on going past the recommended 8 weeks using it, I want to be free from the nicotine as soon as possible!!
 
From my previous attempt I've learned that smoking does nothing to take the stress away.  Everytime I feel I am stressed out, I ask myself if a cigarette will really help.  I've been doing deep breathing exercises, which really help on the drive to work in the mornings.  I am also making sure I avoid any situations that I associated with smoking, and have asked my family for their patience and understanding. I have been super cranky. 
 
Everybody here is so supportive and helpful. You can do this.
10 years ago 0 124 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi all
 
My name is Carlos and this is my nth time trying to quit smoking. The first time I was successful for nine months and after some work related problems and I was on the smoking wagon again.
 
I try to picture my son each time cravings are all over me and helps a lot. It seems that NRT is the only way to go for me and am on the patch again.
 
How do you cope when the stress is too much and it seems  the world is coming your way ??
 
 
 
 

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