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Old 01-17-2009, 11:18 PM   #98 (permalink)
sploosh
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Location: Scotland
If you can get rid of any trace of routine or triggers that make you reach for your smokes, it's not difficult to quit. It's incredibly difficult to avoid routine or the triggers, though!

I was in a position where I had very few responsibilities - no job, no commitments, nothing major to worry about. Every time I felt like a cigarette, I'd go for a run or put some music on and dance like a madman. The physical and mental impact it had on me was amazing. Within a couple of weeks, the cravings had pretty much gone. I went for a run every night, for something to do and because of the positive changes I was feeling.

Instead of craving nicotine, I started to crave the endorphins exercise gave me. I'd feel the urge to do push-ups, sit-ups or anything physical for the rush it would give me.

I went on like this for a few months, gradually doing less, until I did a bit of backpacking around Europe. Lugging a 65 litre rucksack full of useless objects everywhere in summer is hard work, and I loved it. Things were going great until I ended up in Germany and met a group of Americans. I started to blow my budget on drink, ruined my sleeping pattern and met a girl who smoked. I've since learned that drinking affects my serotonin levels, which are fairly delicate naturally, and puts me in a funk. Falling for the girl + lower serotonin + smoking = self loathing. Combine this with running out of money around about the same time as she left and I wasn't in a good state.

Anyway, here's to round 2; I'm mentally prepared and have learned from my past mistakes. Day 1 starts Monday the 19th.

Beware the shapely, southern drawled, smoking temptress.
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