Posted by Hombre on September 14, 2010, at 19:47:38
In reply to Re: TCM)))Hombre, posted by Lao Tzu on September 14, 2010, at 12:34:09
> Did you find that the herbs helped you indirectly with quitting smoking? Smoking for me is such a burden. I find that I think more clearly when I don't smoke and I feel more stable. Over the past week, I have noticed that I am able to smoke much less than normal. For me, smoking is a release from boredom, and that is not a good excuse to smoke. Do you think the herbal tonics will help with the resolve to stop? I am not quite sure what is causing me to smoke less. Could it be the herbs?
>
> LaoTo be honest, I've been smoking on and off, mostly on for the past 2 months. My excuse was stress. I'm in day 4 of not smoking. I can say that the herbs take the edge off of the process, but I still feel a bit uncomfortable. And that's OK. I've done it before and it is something that can be dealt with.
I realized that it was sapping my energy and making it hard to concentrate on anything. I too smoked out of borefom, mostly, but I'm really compulsive about it and I just can't do it in moderation.
The main thing is that I found it impossible to be productive while smoking. Either I'd rather smoke given a free moment, or I couldn't concentrate after depriving my brain of oxygen.
Last night I went swimming for the first time in a long time and felt great. Exercise and smoking don't mix well. I either exercise or smoke. I'd rather exercise.
I think the herbs definitely help with not feeling so anxious and desperate all the time due to whatever deficiencies may be causing the cravings. But smoking is a habit and it is not easy to break a habit. For me, I have to throw away the rest of a pack to really mean it. The act of throwing away perfectly good smokes is symbolic and usually kick starts a successful not-smoking period, which can last for years.
I do know better at this point that smoking never makes me feel better. I always feel stupid for putting myself in a position where my energy is limited and I can't function at 100%. Then it takes several days to regain my energy and shake off the mindset of the smoker where I'd reach for a smoke rather than actually do something. This point is key: for me, smoking takes away my will to do more productive things. In CM terms, smoking really depletes the kidneys. Upon quitting, I notice my energy is much better. Even when "tired", I still have energy to get things done. My will is stronger. My body looks better after just a couple of days - I don't know why, but I guess I lost a bunch of water I was holding or something. Maybe my hormones are more balanced.
I am only speaking for myself, of course, when I judge my smoking and what it means to me, but I do know what it is like and I do know that you can quit. Herbs can help. It's better to have a substitute activity that gives you something positive to reach for rather than just denying yourself of something. Like I said, exercise is the best replacement and it will help with mood and energy. Buy yourself some nice sneakers and comfortable clothes to wear so you can take a walk/jog/go to the gym in style. Load up your mp3 player with tunes and just enjoy yourself. You totally deserve it!
poster:Hombre
thread:961091
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100812/msgs/962402.html