"Editor Julia: Day 3, Smoke Free!" Topic

Let's give her some support!

Julia, I'm an ex-smoker. I quit for good 16 years ago after 30 years of cigarettes. It was about the 12th time I tried to quit. My advice is, take your de-tox seriously, it's a very hard addiction to beat, even though the drug is legal. Give yourself at least a couple of weeks and don't try to work or think too hard while you recover. I couldn't think straight for a couple of weeks. My brain wouldn't work without nicotine in my bloodstream. I had to re-learn how to operate my brain, without the drug.

It's hard, but lots of people succeed. You too.

Ex smoker here too. Much the same experience for. I found that there are definitely two distinct parts to smoking.

One is the physical addiction. It varies how long it takes to get out of a person's system. But it doesn't take very long.

The other part is habit. That part of a person's brain that is programmed to do certain things at certain times or programmed to respond in particular ways to particular stimuli.

The latter is the tough nut to crack. At least it was for me. Since I had family that didn't smoke I was programmed to jump up and head outdoors during television commercials. I was accustomed to associating coffee and cigarettes. There were many other "triggers" which made my brain scream for a cigarette,

I can say, though, that quitting was one of the best things I've ever done. It's not easy and like zippy, a failed many times before I was successful. But I finally did quit and been happier, cleaner, more healthy ever since.

I think one of the most important things to keep in mind during this very difficult process is that you're going to find excuses to start up again…everyday…more than once a day. Every time you think of a reason to start, say to yourself that it's not real. it's the addiction and the habit speaking.

Good for you Julia!

I never smoked, but I've been through the quitting with several people over the years. Stay strong!

Quit back in the 80's after some 20 years of pack-a-day.
As said above, first the physical withdrawal then what to do with the time you used to spend on the habit.

After about 6 months my throat cleared up. I used to think the fresh herbs garnishing dishes were for looks. Then I discovered you could smell and taste them, once the coating of nicotine cleared away.

You also discover the world is not your ash tray. It's a filthy habit.

Hang in there! It will be worth the struggle…think of all the minis you could buy with the money you were spending on cigs!

All kidding aside, it'll be a tough habit to kick, but we're cheering for you.

Absolutely! Big thumbs up!

Hang in there, Julia!
Always heard that stopping was in 3s as to crucial times. First 3 days, then the 3 weeks, then the 3 months and after 3 years…fuggeddabouddit! :-)

Its been two years for me and that is after over 45 years of smoking. Tried dozens of times. Just keep your mind focused. These first two weeks will be the worst. Cold turkey is the best way.

Congratulations on making it this far and GOOD LUCK!
You will be amazed at how different you will feel.
Just be ready to crave ice cream!

Well done Julia! Its a VERY hard thing to give up, you should be very proud each day you avoid the death sticks!

I've never smoked but have struggled for most of my life with being overweight. It's tough to break deeply ingrained habits. Keep at it, Julia! Your life may depend on it. Cigarettes are bad jou-jou; cancer sticks. Be strong!

You can do it Julia, it will be best thing for your health and you will feel so much better

Glad to hear it, for your health.

I understand it is also beneficial to your purse, and/or bank account as well.

Do something nice for yourself with a bit of the money you save from not having to buy cigarettes, as a motivational tool.

If you're a heavy smoker, you might just get a nice, all expenses paid vacation out of it too.

One day at a time Julia…you can do it!

Good Luck! I'm an ex-smoker. I quit when I was in my mid-20s. That was 30 years ago. My hardest times were when I went out with my friends who all smoked and also any time I went to a bar or restaurant where there was lots of smoking. I sneaked a cigarette once in awhile but never fell completely off the wagon.

I've always heard that a good idea for breaking a habit is to tell all your friends and family. That way, if you do slip up, they are there to remind you and put you back on course.

Again… Good luck!

Hi everyone!

My day 3 is almost over and I so very happy with myself. I have to say the first couple of days were tough, but I handled it well. I know there will be tough times coming my way, so I've got to be prepared.

Thanks a lot for your support!

good job, Julia!
take it one day at a time. Couple of things I might suggest for you. Now, bear in mind that when I quit was about 4 months after my retirement.

Try to avoid those times when you wanted or just grabbed a cigarette out of habit. ie. your morning coffee(my toughest), driving in the car(second worst), with a beer or cocktail(third worst). It helps to avoid people smoking if you can. Try to reduce your stress or avoid it whenever you can. Those times when you want one the worst, try to breathe slowly, inhaling through your nose and exhaling out your mouth. Do this very deeply and slow almost like taking a puff of a cigarette. That one you will probably need to repeat several times, just about as long as it took you to finish a cigarette.

Hope these help. They worked for me.
Again, glad you decided to kick the habit and good luck.

You already had some great tips in a lot of the earlier posts.

Smoked during the gulf war…after the fighting was done, I stood on a sand dune next to what was left of an Iraqi Armored vehicle and looked at the black sky from the the burning oil wells in Kuwait…and tossed my pack over Marlboros over my shoulder and walked away.

I still occasionally smoke my pipe or a cigar once in a while..but it's a rare thing.

It's my Day 4 today. I used to smoke while having coffee, but now I am not thinking of it. I don't go out now when I am having coffee which I always do every morning. It's a habit, so I have to change things the way it is.

You are now beyond the chemical (nicotine) desire & now into the "habit" desire which can be worse. Hang in there!

Keep it up, Julia. You can do this!

Yes, you can Julia.

Here is how we once used to teach character to our children in the USA:

link

Remember:

I think I can.
I think I can.
I think I can.

I have always heard it's a habit thing, change that other thing if that's the starter.