@cthompson92 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your upcoming quit.
You found a great group of quitters to support you on your journey. It's not to late to educate yourself about nicotine addiction and have a quit plan by identifying tools to use, how to cope with cravings and creating new associations to replace smoking/vaping. It took me 50 years and many attempts to finally get it right. When I found the Ex I learned how to to quit for the first time. This link will get you off on the right track to be successful.
https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex
We have our favorite quit tools. I used Sour Patch Kids, chewing on straws, playing video games and walking. If you're able, walking is a great way to refocus your thoughts and get an added boost of dopamine needed when eliminating nicotine. And deep breathing exercises will help you get through some tough times.
The habit (or psychological aspect) has more to do with when and where you smoke. After a meal, in your car, when you're happy, when you're sad, etc. That's where creating new associations comes into play. What can you do instead of smoking when you're stressed, having your coffee, going to events, etc.? Be creative! Instead of smoking, go for a walk, take shower, chew on straws, hard candy, call a friend, and come to the Ex and read/post.
Have you chosen to use a quit aid? They can really help with the initial withdrawal symptoms.
Reinforce your quit by joining many of us quitters on the Daily Pledge, It's a great way to stay accountable to yourself and to stay on track one day at a time.
Attitude and preparation are keys to success. Approaching your quit one day at a time helps to alleviate much of the anxiety we experience when we think about quitting. We're here to support you so reach out anytime you need help, want to share your experience, and to support other quitters.
Stay busy and stay close.
Barb
Welcome to the EX, @cthompson92 ! I'll be looking forward with you to your quit date on November 25th! I hope the time between now and then will be well strategizing for what you will do INSTEAD of smoking/vaping/chewing. With a plan, you CAN get off the not-so-merry-go-round that is nicotine addiction.
