Boredom & Re-training the Brain's Thinking

Day #5 of being smoke-free & it's not been a cake-walk by any means! At age 27 I've had to re-train my brain and remind myself that I no longer smoke. I got to thinking this past week that maybe one of the reasons I smoked was because I was bored. There were a few times this past week that I had nothing to do & my first impulse was to go for a cigarette. I would lean forward & after a split-second reality would hit me that I no longer smoke.

As far as the re-training my brain goes I've had to remind myself that the things I used to do while smoking, I can still do, just without the nicotine. This makes driving very difficult at times as well as meeting up with my friends who smoke. It's just going to take some getting used to. I was talking to my cousin on the phone this week and she asked what would she do while driving if she didn't smoke? I totally understand this question. I wondered the same thing. I just crank up the radio & take deep breaths of fresh air in if I have the window rolled down.

It still amazes me the little triggers that make me want to smoke. I always smoked when I would get off the phone with someone or while playing on the computer & I'm still working on reminding myself that I don't smoke when I get off the phone or while I play on the computer. Even certain theme-songs to TV shows make me want to smoke still. Today is my first day working at the radio station smoke-free & I was kind of worried how I would do because there were certain times (2pm, 3:30pm, & 4:30pm) that I would take my smoke breaks. So far, so good.

On Thursday I was with some of my friends who smoke & the smell of it was giving me such a headache that I had to leave. Sure enough, as soon as I left my headache went away! Amazing! As I was on my way to work at the radio station today I was at the stoplight waiting to turn onto Brentwood Boulevard and I smelled cigarette smoke & thought to myself "wow, that smells great! Where is that coming from?!" It was coming from a few cars behind me. This is proof that my sense of smell & taste has returned to that of a non-smoker. I didn't like the fact that I liked the smell of it, but that will take time to go away.

Last night at work the manager was giving people their breaks & she looked at me & said "go smoke, Renee." I smiled & with great pride in myself I said, "I quit on Monday!" That felt so good to say! It is such a huge accomplishment, but I know I have a long road ahead of me. I still miss the inhale of the smoke & exhaling it, but I wouldn't trade my fresh air I'm breathing in now for anything!