So, I have stopped smoking :)

[Nicci]

Hello,

I wanted to make a thread because I am damn proud of myself! I am 8 days smoke free now!!! I got pneumonia and just could not smoke - it hurt to much. I am still craving every now and again, especially in the mornings and evenings, but all in all I feel much better! I can smell much better now.

I went to the shop to buy some colddrink, and someone was standing outside having a smoke, eeeeuw the smell was horrible Made me want to throw up lol!! So weird!!!!

Anyways, I just wanted to share my good news, as I am quite chuffed that I could give up smoking, I used to smoke so much lol!!!

 

[SamCasey]

Are you planning to quite permanently?

 

[Nerhzelok]

Nice, congrats.

It really does smell icky on other people...

 

[biometrics]

I'm on four years now after 22.

Nicci, you need to watch yourself now as most relapses happen in weeks 2-3 in my experience.

Get lots of snacks and drinks and keep your hands and mouth busy (yeah I know that sounds odd). It's worth picking up a few kilo to give up smoking. You can always lose it later.

I'd say after 2-3 months it's mostly over.

I thought I'd be fine with other people smoking once I've given up but I hate it. I actively avoid them.

 

[Nerhzelok]

Get lots of snacks and drinks and keep your hands and mouth busy (yeah I know that sounds odd).

I thought quitters generally chew lots of gum to do just that. Am I wrong?

 

[biometrics]

I thought quitters generally chew lots of gum to do just that. Am I wrong?

Don't know. Never understood the attraction of gum.

 

[[)roi(]]

Congrats, hang in there; it certainly gets better with time.

~8 years smoke free after ~17 with a pack a day.

 

[Nicci]

Are you planning to quite permanently?

Yes, most definitely.

I'm on four years now after 22.

Nicci, you need to watch yourself now as most relapses happen in weeks 2-3 in my experience.

Get lots of snacks and drinks and keep your hands and mouth busy (yeah I know that sounds odd). It's worth picking up a few kilo to give up smoking. You can always lose it later.

I'd say after 2-3 months it's mostly over.

I thought I'd be fine with other people smoking once I've given up but I hate it. I actively avoid them.

Oh goodness, I know what you mean! I crave it, even now when typing I am craving a smoke! I get some headaches, and I actually spring cleaned my whole house, did washing, washed carpets LOL!!! But, I must say I do feel MUCH better!!! Just to get through this 3 weeks

 

[Nicci]

I thought quitters generally chew lots of gum to do just that. Am I wrong?

No, even in general when I chew gum I get nauseaus, as it makes me want to gag, hence I don't do chewing gum at all lol!

 

[biometrics]

Just don't use any nicotine replacements like nicorette gum or electronic cigarettes.

Seriously, stock up on snacks and drinks and stuff your face. I tried giving up 10+ times and this finally worked. It's worth picking up a kilo or two.

You're 8 days in. That's awesome, don't waste it. Remember the next two weeks will be the toughest but it then gets much easier.

Keep busy ...

 

[biometrics]

Btw the good news is the craving passes. I honestly would never be able to smoke again. I just can't imagine being a smoker again. In fact I can't even imagine why I smoked in the first place. The idea is so stupid. Unless you smoke a joint of course Tobacco is so pointless ...

 

[Nicci]

Ok I keep busy cleaning my house and stuff. I will stock up on some jelly sweets and chips, and some lollipops lol!

 

[[)roi(]]

For the next 6 months avoid smokers, at least avoid being around them when they smoke, be extra careful with alcohol (re dulling your inhibitions), and consider taking up a exercise related activity to quell any desires that are often too easily substituted with food. Tea and coffee also helps if you don't like gum.

Also never fall into a false sense of security of thinking you could eventually have an occasional cigar, joint, ... -- I've on 2 previous occasions fallen back into the habit doing just that.

 

[Nerhzelok]

Ok I keep busy cleaning my house and stuff. I will stock up on some jelly sweets and chips, and some lollipops lol!

Mmmmmm, now I'm hungry. o.o I think I still have a few packs of chips... *sneaks away*

 

[Nicci]

Ok thank you!!! Yes, at work there are only 2 other people who smoke, so that is easy. I live at home so nobody to distract me here. I just find once I get bored, or restless I start craving it. When I smell it it puts me off completely. I don't really drink or go out, so that is at least a good thing. Just after I ate, I die for a smoke Or when I wake up in the morning with my coffee - I miss that, but then I just go outside and play with the dogs and it helps lol!

 

[[)roi(]]

Ok thank you!!! Yes, at work there are only 2 other people who smoke, so that is easy. I live at home so nobody to distract me here. I just find once I get bored, or restless I start craving it. When I smell it it puts me off completely. I don't really drink or go out, so that is at least a good thing. Just after I ate, I die for a smoke Or when I wake up in the morning with my coffee - I miss that, but then I just go outside and play with the dogs and it helps lol!

The habit is the hardest part to break; as you know the cravings are gone after a few days; so you're certainly over the toughest part -- well done.

The habits can take up to 6 months or more -- for me it was: waking up smoke, after dinner/sex/... smoke, regular work activity breaks for a smoke (the day is certainly going to feel so much longer, so try to substitute with tea or coffee breaks; take your breaks don't avoid them), ...

We all have our patterns and it's those that will constantly make you think about smoking... The good news is that it does finally go away and you will be able to lead a life around smokers without ever wanting or craving for a smoke.

 

[Nicci]

Thank you!! Yes, I think it is just the habit. Not sure what I will do at work... as I used to go down for a smoke every so often, and climbed 3 storeys of steps, which also helped with my exercise. I guess I will go down and up just for the hell of it to get some exercise at least Yes, after eating / morning is my downfall lol! BUT, I am going to be strong and beat this. I want to be smoke free! And its a saving of like R1000 a month just about!!

 

[Alan]

Bake, bake and bake some more....

 

[dreamrobin]

Great , I found myself to be an on-off smoker (smoking more when stressed) thats how I knew I didn't need it so stopped altogether, best decision

 

[[)roi(]]

Thank you!! Yes, I think it is just the habit. Not sure what I will do at work... as I used to go down for a smoke every so often, and climbed 3 storeys of steps, which also helped with my exercise. I guess I will go down and up just for the hell of it to get some exercise at least Yes, after eating / morning is my downfall lol! BUT, I am going to be strong and beat this. I want to be smoke free! And its a saving of like R1000 a month just about!!

Certainly don't stop the stair workout; go for a cup of tea or coffee (find a non smoker to share the moment with). The worst thing would be to try to sit at your desk the whole day, as we generally use that time to put things in context -- a lot of good ideas / solutions are generated in these break away sessions + it makes the day more manageable.