It's been almost 3 weeks with NO NICOTINE after gradually reducing from my usual two cigarettes... which in turn was reduced from 10. Here's to a 10 year habit out the window? I do feel like I've tossed out dysfunctional family... any suggestions on ways to 'stand firm'? (I've been doing crunches like mad... my abs have never been better! :)
2007-03-27 05:45:41 · 6 answers · asked by Mikisew 6 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Well, go you!
Given that you've already weaned yourself down to 2 a day, I'm guessing that the physical addiction side of things won't be that onerous to deal with compared to the habit itself. To manage that, I recommend that you consider six things:
1) Avoid situations (and to some degree, unfortunately, people) that contain cues for you to light up. If you always had one in a particular chair with your morning coffee...sit in a different spot -- take it outside, it's getting more and more beautiful out there, anyway! Identify other similar cue sites, and deal with them similarly. Throwing away the ashtrays was a great move, there!
2) Find something else to take care of the oral fixation. Yeah, yeah, I know...but it *is* one component that most need to address. For me, chewing sugarless gum worked extremely well. Others chew toothpicks, put a straw or pencil in their mouths...and nope, not going anywhere else with this one. :)
3) Find something else to do with your hands. You've gotten in the habit of holding a cigarette...and that part can be surprisingly hard to let go of. When the urge hits, grab something else: hold pens/pencils, hold hands with a friend, or try what I did -- juggling. The added manual dexterity isn't a bad thing, either. ;)
4) Pursue new habits/hobbies/activities to get your mind off things -- those crunches sound like a good approach, and if there are any new craft or other activities that you've been considering, now's a great time to give them a try!
5) Find a 'quitting buddy' that you can turn to when the cravings hit, someone who'll support your choice to quit and will help you talk through a 'jones'...without lighting up.
6) Finally, celebrate every milestone you can (1 day/100 hours/1 week/1 month/100 days smoke-free). That celebration part is key...once you acknowledge that first 100 hours smoke-free, you don't want to have to go back and start over, y'know?
Worked for me -- quit cold turkey when I was at 3.5 to 4 packs a day, and haven't touched them for years. Good luck to you!
[Added note -- one last thing to keep in mind is that for most people quitting is not a one-time thing; it takes a few tries. 'Falling off the wagon' is not failure...it's time to start again. The trick is to *not* beat yourself up *after* you break down and have a smoke...instead, do it *before*. At that moment, remind yourself how much "time without" you're going to lose if you start over, and how much you don't want to explain to your support network...but if it happens, then accept it, start the count over, and tell your friends you need their support more than ever. You can do it!]
2007-03-27 06:59:20 · answer #1 · answered by tantrickster 5 · 12⤊ 0⤋
Good for you!!! I am trying to quit as well but not doing nearly as well as you are! I am stealing those tips from Tantric, so I don't have any for you, unfortunately. Just an offering of praise for a job well done and a wish for your continuing success! Take care and good luck!
2007-03-27 15:33:45 · answer #2 · answered by Trish 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am saving this question and the answers as my quit date is April 1. No jokes about April fools day please. Quitting is not easy I know and I think your doing a great job. Keep me informed. Good suggestions so far.
2007-03-27 15:40:31 · answer #3 · answered by sideways 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Stand firm by the fact that you are doing yourself a great thing.
2007-03-27 18:17:04 · answer #4 · answered by StarShine G 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good for you ! I should try out some of Tantrick's suggestions myself !
I'm very happy that you are motivated enough to do this,
I know it's hard ! (sigh)
But you can do it !
Best of luck to you ! Actually, you don't need luck , you need to have faith in yourself !
Good Job !
Fran
2007-03-27 18:43:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Try running - then you won't have the rock hard but tubby looking tummy, like I do. :) Alternatively, quit your job and be poor - you'll discover you can't afford smokes, and they aren't really a priority any more... (I flogged my ex's smokes when he couldn't afford more, and he hasn't smoked since. It really does work!)
2007-03-27 13:47:26 · answer #6 · answered by The Mad Shillelagh 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋