Quitting smoking is like being in the middle of a battlefield where the enemy is always lurking, waiting to pounce when you’re least prepared. In this particular war, those enemies are called "triggers." They come at you from all angles — stress, boredom, social situations, even certain smells or places. Sometimes, just seeing someone else light up is enough to send you spiraling back into that craving.
Lately, I've been doing a deep dive into identifying my own triggers, and let me tell you, they are relentless. Stress is probably the biggest one for me. Whether it's dealing with the chaos of everyday life or frustrations with my art business, that nagging urge to reach for a cigarette creeps in. It’s like my brain is trying to tell me, “Hey, let’s take a break. Remember how relaxing that smoke was?” But I know better. I’ve come too far to fall back into that old pattern.
So, what do I do when the urge hits? Deep breathing. Sounds simple, right? But trust me, when the craving is strong, and your brain is screaming for nicotine, something as basic as taking a deep breath feels revolutionary. I’m learning to lean on it — focusing on my breathing, slowing down, and bringing myself back to the moment instead of reaching for a cigarette.
Here’s what I’ve found works for me: whenever a trigger hits, I stop whatever I’m doing and close my eyes (if possible). Then I take a slow, deep breath in through my nose, hold it for a few seconds, and let it out through my mouth, nice and slow. I repeat this five times. It sounds almost too easy, but this small action interrupts that craving. It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind.
The trick, I’ve realized, is to stay in that moment. It’s not just about calming yourself down but becoming fully aware of why the craving hit in the first place. Was I stressed, bored, or just following an old habit? Once I identify the trigger, I can deal with it head-on.
But it’s not a magic cure. The cravings come back, sometimes stronger than before. That’s why I’m documenting all of this in my journal. I want to track my progress and, more importantly, remind myself of the battles I’ve won.
I’ve also got a great support team, including Jacki O, who’s been a rock for me throughout this journey. With her encouragement and the breathing techniques I’ve been practicing, I feel like I’m building a new toolkit for handling these moments. The more I write, the more I realize this is more than just quitting smoking. It’s about taking control, one breath at a time.
So, for anyone out there fighting the same fight, remember this: every craving is temporary. A few deep breaths can help you ride it out. Let’s keep going, one breath closer to freedom.
by Dan and Bonkers
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