Today was not as great as yesterday was.
I basically had anxiety all day long, and even though that didn’t necessarily translate into cigarette cravings, I still felt out of touch with myself.
It started as soon as I got to work, and didn’t go away until I finished later on tonight.
I hate it so much! It’s the worst feeling.
I’m not even sure if it’s nicotine-related or not. Yes, there were a few moments today when I actually felt some physical withdrawal, which was attached to the anxiety.
Then again, maybe I’m wrong and it CAN be totally nicotine-related. Perhaps I’m still not 100% over my addiction yet. That would make sense since I was still having cravings today.
They weren’t severe, but they did exist. I’ll admit that right now.
Quitting smoking is very hard! Sometimes I think it’s impossible, especially if the cravings keep up.
However, I’ve come this far already, I’m not going to throw it all away and start all over, just because of some tiny craving that realistically only lasted about 20 seconds.
In reality, that’s all it was.
Of course I dwell on the fact I’m still having them, and focusing on the negative, instead of focusing on the countless positives in my life since I quit smoking.
So now, that I’m home safe and sound, I have no anxieties, no stress, no cravings, no nothing.
I will be making it to tomorrow, and that’s all that matters at this point. I shouldn’t concentrate on how much anxiety I had today.
Did I have any yesterday? No, I did not. Well there you go.
It’s not like it’s an everyday occurrence.
Was nicotine to blame for it? Absolutely!
Is it to blame for ALL of my anxiety? No, it is not, and I shouldn’t feel that I’m going to get rid of it all by not smoking cigarettes.
Yes, I’ve dropped the attacks down by about 80%, and I am quite content with that number. It’s just depressing that I still occasionally get them, because other than being nicotine-related, I have no idea why I’m getting them.
They often occur when I’m not stressed out at all!
Anxiety just appears at random moments, that don’t seem to be triggered by anything.
However, I could be wrong. I just haven’t figured it out yet.
The only real thing I can do for myself right now is to never smoke again. That will help tremendously.
But, tomorrow is another day. Who knows what great things will happen?
I could wake up completely nicotine-free tomorrow and have the best day of my life!
I shouldn’t be dwelling on what happened to me today, because underneath it all, I should feel proud of myself for making it through another day without lighting up. That’s the main issue! That’s my main goal!
I’m sitting here right now and I couldn’t care less about smoking. It’s just the furthest thing from my mind.
A stupid anxiety attack? In terms of the big picture, it means nothing.
All that really matters is making it through the day and not having a cigarette.
That’s the bottom line. 26 days is a long time to go to simply throw it all away for a tiny drag during a vulnerable moment.
As of right now, it would take something major to get me to relapse again.
Hopefully, that moment never happens, because I love living a smoke-free life. It’s so much more rewarding than leading that other life.
I’ve accomplished more since quitting than I would’ve practically all year long as a smoker. It really is true.
You’ll never know until you find out.
Day 26… and I am a bundle of all kinds of emotions constantly bubbling up that I guess I had previously smothered with a quick nicotine hit.
I’m thankful for this blog as so many other sites obviously written by people who’ve never been addicted to nicotine make out like this process is just about getting nicotine out of your body, but it’s not! It’s actually a mental health issue. We’ve self-medicated for so long that dealing with real life anxieties and stresses “in the raw” is scary!
But, despite still having occasional wistful longing feelings for my former “crutch”, I’m still 100% determined to stay off nicotine forever.
I’m sleeping better, waking up earlier (and more cheerfully), and generally feeling a lot happier despite the few teary emotional moments! I feel its all getting better… slowly but surely!
Day 26 has proven to be an Anxiety day for me also. I keep thinking just one what will it hurt. But then I think of how far I have come and know it will hurt everything the straw that breaks my camels back no pun intended. This blog has been so helpful Thank you
Yes. Day 26. Terrible anxiety. Not interested in smoking but the anxiety over nothing is off the charts. Digestive issues are ongoing also. But have not smoked for 26 days. Pat on the back for that.
I think I have reached no man’s land couple days early. Or couple weeks early. These two days my existence without a nicotine rush seemed a it mundane. I’m going to the places where are a lot of stress and smokers – and seeing them smoking and chatting is a bit sad. I feel excluded from the smokers circle.
But I know that this is an illusion, and I think my brain just looking for new neuron connections. Now I know that even if I smoke or drink feeling of emptiness will not dissapear. It will stay. My inner feeling will not fade, they will only be masked. So the best thing is just to face everything as it is. I have a lot of heavy emotions, which I have nowhere to run away from.
And it is good. I have to find a way how to deal with them without using intoxicating things.
And yes, day 26 is hard. But in a different way. More existential kind of way.
You nailed it! Smoking is a crutch for almost every emotion: sad, happy, depressed, anxiety, joy, stress, etc.
Naturally grabbing for a cigarette is a coping mechanism. Looking back, that’s all it was. A deflection of personal responsibility. Like don’t take emotions into your own hand, allow a cigarette to do the talking.
It was horrible.
good morning , I quit 26 days go cold turkey . does anyone find they break out alll over , head to toe , stomach in knots , chest a little tight
but the full body achne it truly hurts and is massively itchy …rrr..
hot showers have helped a bit
not much relief….please help !
Day 26 on my 36th birthday. sort of funny, i guess. i smoked, then dipped, then dipped, then smoked, and finally smoked and dipped off an on for 20 years. someway, somehow i was getting my nic. I always told myself that “eh, when i have a kid someday, i’ll quit” well, my wife and i did have a kid…..and guess what, i didn’t quit like i told myself. the nicotine will lie to you, as Mateo has stated multiple times on this site, just one puff, just one cig, you’ll be fine, you can quit tomorrow. how many times have i done that? too many to count. This website has helped out a great deal! I’m so incredibly thankful that i have made the decision to quit and have come this far. it’s had it’s ups and downs, but kudos to each of us that have made it to 26 days and God willing all of us can make it to 26 years smoke/dip/nicotine free. keep your head up, the best is yet to come!
day 26 for me. its 3am and i woke up to go for a poo.
had lots of digestive issues the last week.
Don’t feel like a cigarette at all – my feeling is just not bothered. The Anxiety is another issue and comes in huge waves.
I intend to start some light running this week as part of my overall fitness/health plan.
Great site.
well done everyone !
I’m on day 26 and can i just say, i feel like shit my skin is the worst its ever been. but funny story,
so yesterday i found myself heading to the bank to speak to an advisor. i go in his office to have a seat, and you wont believe what was sitting on the chair screaming HEYYY! i couldn’t help but laugh. a pack of ciggs, from the last person who sat there. i didn’t cave into temptation, although every single day is a constant reminder of menthol lights, from every single smoker in the city. i guess i just have to keep fighting the good fight.
Day 26 is extremely hard on me. I haven’t had any cravings the last 4 days, I woke up today and all I can think of is smoking. I have come to far to jump of the wagon, reading all your stories is so helpful
I am on day 26 of being smoke free. I know this is an old thread but it is the BEST encouragement I found this time around. For the past four years, every day I had intentions to quit but something always seemed to happen. I can’t count how many times I have relapsed and the only positive thing I could say was at least I never quit trying to quit. I quit for 15 days in Jan 2019 and thought I could handle one cig. Nope. I did it again in May 2019. Went 17 days and didn’t feel any different so I started again. This is the first time I have made it 26 days without nicotine in 30 years. I think this site is because of that. I just want to say “ Thank you Matt”
Thank you so much! I don’t log into my site as much as I used to, but it’s always nice to come back and hear stuff like this. Way to go! Keep it up!
D26 the worst day yet, OMG took everything I had to not buy a pack, only thing stopping me is the $$ knowing that 1 pack will lead to many. Wow….kill me! Put me out of my misery
Let the day end, maybe tomorrow will be better
This is such an old thread, but I’d like to thank you and OP, and all the other commenters. Maybe you all never see this- but the fact that you all took the time to share your experiences has helped me on my “day 26, smoke free”. It really is a formidable addiction to have such a lasting impact. Thank you all.
Me too! Day 26 with mega intense cravings, wanted to smoke like if I had never quit, really wondering why, and if it only happens to me. So Im so glad that there are more 26th-ers that had a hard time and its not that I Am the only one. Its stupid I know, and selfish, but tremendously helpful when others go through missery with you. However, I’m handcuffing myself to the couch and not letting me do the worst. No way. Too far now, but too soon you know? Maybe in 20 years I grab it again but in 20 days? No way, too embarrassing and too lame hahah
Day 26 and I’ve got snot drying on my face, beautiful incense burning and despite high stress (inheritance arguments are with semi-estranged brother etc) I’ve made it this far! The fresh air smelt so good yesterday. I feel more like making love.
Hi, I am at day 26 also. This has been the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. I go to the doctor for my job and he said I really need to quit smoking. My family say the same thing. I have been a pack a day for the last 30 years and I think it is now time to get this monkey off my back. I have been waking up in tears and going through terrible withdraws. I just hope I can do this.
You can. We are all here with you.
I’m at day 26 too. There’s no date on this blog so you could have written it 10 years ago and laughing! I’m glad it’s not just me. I’m so proud to have got this far but still have a craving several times a day. I have no intention of giving in but god I’d love just one puff! Glad to know 26 days is good but nowhere near the end goal and that I just have to keep on not giving in.
Interestingly my day 26 has no cravings but it does have the anxiety. If I can manage that I will make it.
I gave up using 14mg patches after a week dropped to 7mg. I have now stopped using patches as they complicate, for me, the giving up issue.
My biggest concern is for those around me. I have so not been myself to the point where you feel that you cant go back to smoking but what’s the point in all this self punishment.
Things do slowly get better albeit a little day by day.
Anyways, being stronger, I will get through this!