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5 years ago 0 93 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Just an update to yesterdays visit with the grandkids. Well....still smoke free!!!! Great tunes for the long drive help keep my mind in a good direction. So I am proud to say that I am now 17 days smoke free.
  • Quit Meter

    $16,039.50

    Amount Saved

  • Quit Meter

    Days: 367 Hours: 15

    Minutes: 38 Seconds: 27

    Life Gained

  • Quit Meter

    1887

    Smoke Free Days

  • Quit Meter

    37,740

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

5 years ago 0 180 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Have fun with the grandkids today!  I hope you report back on how you found success on the car trip.  I found for me that the anxiety of anticipating strong cravings was worse than the actual experience ended up being.  I think I even posted about it in my own quit once when I was facing a long drive.  I found that turning my music up VERY loud and singing along kept me sufficiently entertained and distracted and in a positive head space.  Or a really entertaining podcast, preferably something that would make me laugh. I also keep a hot drink to sip on for when I feel liker reaching for something.  Mantras help, too.  For instance, if I caught myself stressing about a potential craving, I would just replace the stress thoughts with something like, "I am totally capable of dismissing the urge to smoke.  A craving is just some wonky brain wiring that I am working on."  Any words that make it sound like "duh, of course I can not smoke,", instead of fear-based thoughts and what-ifs. What else.... Timbo really said it all, he's a wealth of tips and tricks and I'd listen to him!  
5 years ago 0 796 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Pappy,
 One day at a time is the only way to do this. Concentrate only on the present, not the future.  As for your HUGE trigger of long drives, take along some sugar free hard candies or mints to munch on in place of a cigarette. Or some nuts might work and are healthier for you. A stress ball to squeeze the living daylights out of a urge.  Be sure and have a bottle of water to sip on too. Another thing that might help is a straw. Something you can keep between your fingers and inhale on that won't hurt you. Remember an urge will go away in 3-5 minutes whether or not you have a cigarette. Since you are on the patch, your brain is still getting some nicotine to keep itself satisfied so you just need to work on the mental part. A rubber band to help keep your fingers busy, just be careful when driving. Listen to music that you like or that calms you. Roll the windows down to get the fresh air. Think about the grand kids too, its the reason for the trip. You won't smell of cigarette smoke anymore when you hold them and you can talk to them about your quit journey if they are old enough to understand. I'm sure they will be VERY proud of you, as will your son or daughter.  I wish I could give you some more tips. Hopefully someone else will jump in with some more. 
Stay strong Pappy, and I wish you the best on your trip.  Keep us posted on your progress.
 
Not One Puff Ever
 
  • Quit Meter

    $23,153.35

    Amount Saved

  • Quit Meter

    Days: 770 Hours: 10

    Minutes: 37 Seconds: 42

    Life Gained

  • Quit Meter

    3827

    Smoke Free Days

  • Quit Meter

    84,194

    Cigarettes Not Smoked

5 years ago 0 93 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I know I talk much about taking this one day at a time, but I just can't help but thinking about how I am going to deal with one of my biggest triggers tomorrow. I go to visit my grandchildren tomorrow which is always a wonderful experience. My issue is not the visit, but the 2-1/2 hour drive to and from their home to make that visit. Driving is a HUGE trigger for me and to this point I have been able to keep my drives to a minimum distance while in the early stages of my quit. I am just trying to think of things I can do while driving to help keep me distracted from any thoughts of smoking. Any input here from the community would be greatly appreciated.
  • Quit Meter

    $16,039.50

    Amount Saved

  • Quit Meter

    Days: 367 Hours: 15

    Minutes: 38 Seconds: 27

    Life Gained

  • Quit Meter

    1887

    Smoke Free Days

  • Quit Meter

    37,740

    Cigarettes Not Smoked


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