[Trippin2.0]

Sooo according to the Dr I'll keep having extremely painful bronchitis if I don't quit the cigarettes.

I unofficially quit even before I heard that, a week ago, because smoking was just way too painful.

So after a few days of no smoking, then a full week, and without trouble might I add, today I felt like I couldn't help myself and lit one.

I felt bad on more than one level.

Bad in the chest coz it hurts and bad coz I failed myself...

I never imagined having to quit, its like my one vice ya know? But doesn't make sense to be sick for it And oh God the pain, no thank you very much.

So its Friday night, I'm wiping the slate clean and making an actual attempt to quit, hopefully this thread will remind me why.

Habitual cigarettes were easy enough to learn to skip, its the boredom and stress cigarettes I'm not quite sure what to do with...

[Moogieotter]

We got your back, trips!

[Trippin2.0]

Thanks Moogs!!!

Appreciate it

[Unrigged64072835]

I had some pretty bad breathing problems before I quit. Like sitting in the ER with a nebulizer type of problems.

The last I started up was when we received a bill from the IRS that we were not expecting. Thankfully it was resolved, but it took months to stop again.

I got a vape two years ago and that has helped. I don't need nicotine now so I just use it for having something to put in my mouth other than a lot of food and drink. I haven't had breathing issues since then.

[notz]

Good luck, I'm rooting for you!!

[Trippin2.0]

Thanks notz, so far so good.

Today is first day back at work after two weeks tho, so new challenge, but I have faith in myself.

[notz]

Did you smoke at work when you were still smoking?

[Trippin2.0]

I did yes, it was my only reprieve from my hateful manager.

So I survived day one at work, wasn't even tempted to join in all the smoking... Probably coz it was so ice cold and my chest was tight most if the day.

Having some personal struggles and not sure what to do with myself when I'm upset tho, its like I feel upset and lost because I'm not lighting up. So yeah, not quite sure what to do during teary upsets.

I haven't replaced this habit with a new one, nothing I can think if appeals to me.

[notz]

I can understand not knowing what to do during stressful times. Cigarettes were my best friend and what I reached for first when tense. When I was preparing to stop smoking I made a list of things for certain situations. Most any alternative to lighting up was ok, it just had to be something I had never smoked while doing before. A brisk walk was quick and easy, 15 seconds of lifting weights helped, I took a lot of showers and brushed my teeth a lot! Just had to get past that hump.

Walking would be a nice habit to cultivate!

[emgreen]

Good luck. One technique I used was to wear a rubberband around my wrist & snap it anytime I had the urge to smoke; for some reason it temporarily took my mind off the urge. They say nicotine gets out of one's system within a week, but I can really relate to smoking to relieve anxiety, or just have something to do with my hands. Three years & two months ago I had my last cigarette after smoking for 30+ years (cold turkey). They said I had the beginning stages of COPD, so I can also relate to the physical problems caused by the habit. Quitting's not easy, but it can be done. Believe it, or not, I never have the urge to smoke anymore (& I have money that literally went up in smoke before!). You can do it, too.

[Trippin2.0]

Thanks you guys for the input and support.

I guess i will just have to adapt…. Walking is a good idea, but it's winter and with this current chest issue, walking is onto of my enemies atm. I have been doing breathing exercises, like we used to do during mindfulness, not sure if its working, but at least I have not been tempted to light up.

I miss smoking tho, weird as that might sound.

But my nearly constant tight chest is a good reminder as to why i gave them up.