Day 7

Post-Quitting Depression

Some people feel mildly depressed after they have quit. You may feel a letdown when such a major goal has been reached. You may also find that the people around you are taking less notice of the fact you’ve quit. This is why self-rewards are more long-lasting than those given to you by others.

*  Acknowledge that you had a relationship with cigarettes, dip, or your e-cig. It may have been long or short, but due to the nature of nicotine and the habits that form, it was probably a powerful relationship for you.

*  Try to see your experiences through a different perspective:

– Missing out on times with family & friends while going outside to use

– Worrying about the smell on your clothes or breath

– The mess of cigarette butts or a spit bottle

– The nagging cough that took weeks to go away (if at all)

– Guilt, fear, anxiety, or other negative emotions using tobacco/nicotine stirred up in the moment or right after

– The cost that just kept going up

*  Look at the gains you’ve already made

– More free time

– Easier to breathe

– Money saved

– Freedom to go anywhere not worrying about when the next opportunity to smoke, dip or vape might be

Be cautious of the nostalgia that may come with old, unhealthy habits. It may have felt like a friend, but tobacco/nicotine products are like a friend that stabs you in the back down the road. The tobacco companies are not trying to be your friend-they just want your money.

Today’s Affirmation:

Tobacco is a bad friend I have left behind.