Hi JDoe,
I like how you are preparing for your quit. It seems like you are really thinking this through so that you are well prepared to handle it.
I'll throw my two cents in for what it's worth. I've tried to quit lots, and I've learned a lot in the process. Remember, this is just what is working for me, but if any of this helps you, then great!
I didn't throw the extra pressure of excercising in right away because I just wanted to focus on one thing. I also know that I get excessively sleepy when I quit, so I lightened up on myself, and am letting myself sleep as often as I need to. I know that there will be a day soon, when I wake up and I have almost too much energy, and that's when I'll need to get out the sneakers and hit the road for some good hikes-- otherwise I get too restless and want to fix it by smoking.
Distractions help tons. I found great ones on my cell phone-- i.e. games... games on the computer too. I seem to prefer word games where I need to think fast because it engages my brain to the point that I really am not thinking about smoking anymore.
Rewards. I can't tell you how important they are. Even if you don't do much, do something that's very important to you.
Avoid smokers if that's what you need to do. If you know that's your trigger, then explain to your friends that you need to get some self-care time in. Most women can relate to that.
I also chew lots of gum. I'm not a gum chewer, but I found that I need something to keep my mouth busy at all times. It seems to keep me from overeating too.
Showers, brush, floss, bleach your teeth with an over the counter product, put on your favorite lotion, and your favorite perfume, and
enjoy how great you smell. Remember, if you smoke just one cigarette, that lovely feeling of being clean and fresh will be
gone.
These are just some little things that have helped. There's more, but I need to get back to work :)
Thinking of you and wishing you the best.
Deb
