How Do Non-Smokers Handle Stress?

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  • CandelLife
    CandelLife Posts: 127 Member
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    I eat, hence me being on my fitness pal.

    Exactly what I'm trying not to do, I feel ya! The tootsie roll pops turned out to not be a good idea, the calories add up too quick.
  • CandelLife
    CandelLife Posts: 127 Member
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    I took all my quit-smoking anger/stress out on dairy milk chocolate buttons... That's kinda how I ended up here though so that's probably not the best option :noway:

    If you can't have gum, try sucking extra strong mints - this helped me when I ran out of chocolate.

    And if you're in a relationship, send some anger their way. They probably won't appreciate it, but it'll make you feel better! My boyfriend didn't mind putting up with it because he hated the smoking more than he hated me being a stroppy-pants.

    Good on you for quitting :drinker:

    No current boyfriend to take it out on but I do have an ex I could call every time I am stressed and take it out on him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind!
  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
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    I used to eat/drink when stressed. Not anymore.
    I breathe.
    I focus on the good things in my life and my accomplishments.
    I realize this is one moment in my life, not my life.
    I exercise.
    I listen to music.
    Mostly...I go to kickboxing so I can hit things.

    Find a boxing gym/class in your area. Seriously, it does wonders.
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
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    I have been smoke free for exactly 8 months today. I found a new way to release stress...running.

    It does get easier. The first 2 weeks were the worst for me. 24 hours to go and the nicotine is out of your system, it is all mental after than.
  • snaghdi
    snaghdi Posts: 1
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    I smoked for over 17 years and quit cold turkey February 2011. I've noticed I'm not as on edge as I was as a smoker. It definitely took some time after I quit to get to that point. Yoga has really helped with my stress levels. Taking a walk and getting exercise is another way to release natural endorphins. Good Luck! I know quitting isn't easy but being a non-smoker is 100% worth it!
  • DrunkenFaeGirl
    DrunkenFaeGirl Posts: 107
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    I write, listen to music, take a nap or shower if it's feasible, take a walk, talk to a friend, read...I quit in 1998 and haven't smoked since despite occasional stress cravings so I do understand but I also know it's possible to get through.
  • CandelLife
    CandelLife Posts: 127 Member
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    I never smoked so I'm not sure but you're changing a lot in one go I must admit, think that will make it harder for you. Not impossible, just harder that's all.
    But I would recommend maybe getting some boxing gloves and a punchbag. Failing that a husband who you can use for support / punchbag. :)

    I seriously love the punching bag idea, that may be the very best answer yet. I could get in some seriously good shape too as time goes by. Thanks!
  • leslisa
    leslisa Posts: 1,350 Member
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    Due to ongoing medical treatment for my enlarged liver, spleen and uterus - I can't go running or jogging or biking right now, though I will be taking that back up a few months down the road when I get to the other side of this.

    What about walking? Go for a walk each time? I've made up my mind to do all this regardless of my current obstacles, so please don't see it as "excuses" - I'm serious about this.

    Hey, I'm down with whatever you can do and you like. If you like walking, walk. But if you can't walk, the yoga breathing is amazingly beneficial. To tell you the truth with your health issues, it might work for you anyway - just gentle yoga, don't do all the intense stuff. Maybe get a yoga for preggo ladies tape. I did that when preggo and it was very gentle and forgiving.

    In any case, stick to it :)
  • CandelLife
    CandelLife Posts: 127 Member
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    When i quit, I would walk a LOT when I was feeling stressed out. I didn't want to put things into my mouth out of fear I would put more food into it instead of gum, for example. Even while at work, I would just get up and go walk it off. That's probably how I only ended up doing like 40 minutes of actual work per day, but who cares. I didn't lose my mind or kill anyone that way (;

    Exactly! They should count their lucky stars you went for walks instead of killing them all! LOL.... Non-smokers know what it's like to go through this, anyone who has been addicted to anything CAN grasp the basic idea here, you know?
  • alliemarie77
    alliemarie77 Posts: 378 Member
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    Walking a lot! Walking up hills. Walking fast. Just walk and breathe! It helps!! Congrats on trying to get healthier. You'll be so glad you did.
  • coyoteo
    coyoteo Posts: 532 Member
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    Sex. Lots of it. Oh, and sometimes alcohol. Sometimes both!
  • damedame
    damedame Posts: 113 Member
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    honestly video games help me when i feel stressed also, a good tough work out.
    those two things make me feel solid after stress. and i have tons of stress these days
  • ladylaume
    ladylaume Posts: 81 Member
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    Ive never smoked and I think I shop when im really stressed out, or I drive somewhere to get away, I cant say i have one habbit to help relieve it maybe yelling but Im really trying not to yell....
  • whitlisd
    whitlisd Posts: 85
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    I don't smoke and never have. I've always been an anxious person with a lot of stress in my life, so maybe I can chime in. I guess it depends on the severity of your situation. There are always medications to help ease the anxiety if it's ongoing, but I try to do things without it if possible.

    Try to remember to take care of yourself. If you have access to a pet, they are instant stress relievers! Take a nice warm bath, read a book, listen to soft music, whatever gives you comfort. Be in nature, walk, listen to the birds and breathe deeply. Try not to focus on the cause of the stress, but definitely get it dealt with, whatever it is so you can move on. My last resort is to sleep. Sleep and good nutrition is very important. Stay away from sugar at ALL costs. That really helps keep me level. Talk to a good friend so you don't bottle things up inside.

    Just tricks I've learned over the years.
  • JJordon
    JJordon Posts: 857 Member
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    Hit the gym hard. Until you are little more than a puddle of sweat on the floor.

    Repeat, as necessary.
  • jesand86
    jesand86 Posts: 5
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    I go for a walk or a run :) Find long walks will put most stress out of my mind and if it didn't it tires me and I can still sleep at night although I am stressed. Also, doing something that makes me laugh works wonders. Youtube is my saviour at times like these :)

    If it is between classes or during a study session I have a terrible habit of consuming too many cups of tea. Don't recommend that one.
  • puffbear
    puffbear Posts: 4 Member
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    Oh My goodness, you are doing a lot all at the same time, yeah, I would be stressed too. Congrats on all of your successes so far, you first of all are amazing and are doing incredible changes in your life to get healthier. Myself, I quit smoking in 2011 due to medical issues, I had no choice. I had to have something to replace this hand to mouth habit I had formed, I knew what did not work for me in the past, gum, walk, call a friend, etc. Remember, everyone has their own way that worked for them. But when it came to that habit I found the best solution for me was to buy those thin coffee stir sticks (the red ones) and I cut them in half, because they were very long and put a bunch of them in a baggy in my purse and when I felt stress, I would pull one of them out and chew on it. Everyone would ask me when are you going to stop with those sticks? My answer, when I want to and it may be never, but it worked for me. That moment of stress could happen anytime, I was prepared with my red cigarettes, so to speak. :)
    I have seen people use the just straws the same way, but it in half so it is not so long in your mouth. I found an old purse the other day and found a baggy of those red coffee stir sticks I cut up for myself. Good luck, you are doing fantastic! Never quit trying to quit, don't beat yourself up for feeling what you feel during this time. Feel free to message me anytime, It's not easy, but well worth it!
  • CandelLife
    CandelLife Posts: 127 Member
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    I have the benefit of being on Chantix. Step one was blocking the receptors in the brain from receiving the nicotine from the cigarettes, that's what the chantix does. The first week was the hardest, you can smoke on it because it's still being blocked, you're just tricking yourself into thinking you're having that smoke and it's doing anything at all.

    After that it does get easier though I have had a few of the side effects, vivid dreams, headaches and sleepiness. But it has been worth it because I have tried before and the withdrawals were just too much to handle. Then I had to break the trigger points of not smoking when I first get up or after a meal or when I first get in the car etc etc,

    I thought I was home free, 3 weeks left on Chantix... last step, realizing how much I used smoking as a crutch when i was bored or upset. It fills the gaps. Waiting for a download, smoke one. Waiting while someone is in the store? Smoke one. Someone pissed you off? Smoke one. This is the final stage...

    If I give up - Chantix is not covered by my insurance to do this again, it's a one time shot, it has to be now. So I'm standing my ground and doing it.

    Thanks so much for the tips, I need them!
  • TehLaughingDog
    TehLaughingDog Posts: 200 Member
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    Focus on something that will exhaust you either mentally or physically. It needs to be something that you find rewarding so your anxiety/stress is replaced with a positive that you got from the activity you just performed/endured. Everyone is different.

    For me? I hike or try to get active outside. My anxiety and stress is through the roof when I'm not physically active or mentally stimulated because I'm pent up and unable to handle the situation then usually turn destructive either towards myself, my surroundings, or others. Being away from everyone usually helps me avoid confrontation or being overwhelmed by trying to interact with others while under stressful conditions while trying to refocus... well, except I usually bring my dog because he is a good and silly company. Usually I'll hike, run, workout really hard outside, swim, or just anything that I can lose myself in that can exhaust me. Then when I return to the stressful situation I'm physically worked and more grounded so I'm able to think strategically and tackle whatever the stressor is.

    A lot of people understand the physical aspect of de-stressing but people also need to exercise themselves mentally to help avoid getting lost in stressful situations. Some people are more mental than physical too. So if you have health issues maybe trying to stimulate your mind might help? For myself taking classes and having a forward moving goal along with difficult mental hurdles to tackle help me keep my head until I'm able to get out to physically de-stress.

    Good luck! And congratulations on not smoking! You're learning new habits and learning how to deal with yourself on a different level. Through smoking you've taken the easy way out but now you're facing yourself on a different battlefield. Figure yourself out and don't loose patience because, even though it takes time, it will be worth it in the end!
  • dan_IRL
    dan_IRL Posts: 204 Member
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    Non smokers don't have as much stress. Here is a theory that I read about that I completely agree with. It is one that ultimately helped me quit smoking after 15+ years and stay quit. I have been smoke free for 4.5 years now.

    Let's say the normal stress level of a non smoker is at 25 out of 100. When they are in a stressful situation, there stress level goes up to a 45 or 50.

    Now let's say the normal stress level of a smoker is at 25 out of 100, while smoking a cigarette. 10 minutes after you finish that cig, your stress level gradually goes up. By 30 minutes to an hour, your normal stress level could be up to 45 or 50 because your body and mind are stressing about having that next cigarette. Then add on top of that a stressful situation and now you are up to a level of 75 or 80.

    So you smoke a cigarette to "relieve your stress". In actuality, the only stress you are relieving is the body and mind stress from the craving from the lack of cigarette. The added stress from the stressful situation is still at the same level as it would be if you were a non smoker.

    The idea of smoking being a stress reliever is kind of deceiving. You are only relieving the stress that you are giving yourself by depriving yourself of smoking over and over again.

    Does that make sense?

    I learned that concept from a book called Allen Carr's Easyway to stop smoking. While this book didn't make me quit on it's own, it gave me some real solid help in my ultimate journey to quitting smoking. http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easyway-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155

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