QUITTING SMOKING..................

Hayesgang
Hayesgang Posts: 624
edited October 4 in Motivation and Support
So I have been sitting here staring at the screen - knowing I need to reach out but was scared. So here goes......

I have lost about 30 lbs (20 prior to finding MFP), Quit drinking (almost 1 yr ago), Started working out - LOVE hot power yoga!!!!

Now the rub - I want to QUIT SMOKING!!!!
I have noticed over the past few weeks I have naturally cut down (normally a pack a day) and now I'm making a conscience effort to quit - Its almost 11am (got up at 6am) and I've only had 1.5 cigs.

I've left them in my car, told my co-workers my plan - I'm looking at the clock and bargining with myself about when I can go out to have one.

Just need a little support and encouragement

Thanks xoxooooxoxoxoxx

Replies

  • JeanWalker109
    JeanWalker109 Posts: 220
    I honestly can't tell you how I did it, but I quit smoking about a year ago, now. Sometimes just worked within me, I smoked my last one & told my husband (then, fiance) that I was done. I'd been smoking off & on for about 10 years. At some point, it just clicked into gear in my brain that I was LITERALLY killing myself slowly with something I didn't need to survive, at all! People kill themselves slowly by overeating, but you do need food to live. So, I understand it can be difficult. However, if you quit smoking - you don't need it to live & you can choose to stay away from it at all costs. Now, it doesn't bother me to be around smokers, or whatever - but in those first few months...man, I'd almost attack someone. ROFL!

    You've cut down considerably, so focus on cutting down & eventually, that'll be it. Decide which pack will be your last & buy no more.

    You seriously can do this. I'm not just saying this to make you feel good. I'm saying this b/c I lived it, too.

    You CAN!!!!

    *hugs*

    Jean
  • shovav91
    shovav91 Posts: 2,335 Member
    First of all, congratulations on making such a huge and positive change in your life! It takes a lot of courage and strength, and I truly admire you.
    Addictions are not easy to beat, but I have faith that you CAN do it! Try to chew gum because oral fixation is a huge part of cigarette addiction. Try the nicotine patch for a while and gradually cut down.
    It will not be easy, but you can do it! Feel free to message me if you need support. Again, congratulations!
  • kathas0trophal
    kathas0trophal Posts: 118 Member
    it sounds like you are on the right way. one day i decided i do not need to smoke anymore and never did again. You are a strong and special person you really do not need to smoke
  • rvice2
    rvice2 Posts: 132 Member
    I quit a few years ago. I first decided that I would no longer smoke in my car. So I never did - had suckers instead. I slowly increased the places that I wouldn't. Eventually, I just quit. It was really hard, but you can do it. I also started running (at the time walking with a minute jog every so often). That really helped me because I could see such a difference in my breathing patterns. It is nearly impossible to run as a smoker and actually enjoy it. I used to hate running and now that I can actually run and talk at the same time I like it. Sometimes I would have to go to bed early because I just couldn't get having a cig off my mind. I also quit going to places that I would smoke a ton (like bars). Now, I can be around others that smoke and it doesn't bother me, but when I was first quitting I had to cut out those things. Even drinking - I rarely drink because even 2 years later I will still want one. Its easier to just not do those things that urge the craving. Good luck! You can totally do this!
  • Hayesgang
    Hayesgang Posts: 624
    I think working out and finding something I love has made it easier to cut down. I actually ran last night on the treadmill instead of walking (at 4mph) and was able to push myself more in yoga class on Tues.

    I just don't want to do this anymore, what makes me nervous is that I naturally cut back and now I am making an effort and it seems harder.

    Damn that Marlboro Man!!!
  • Hayesgang
    Hayesgang Posts: 624
    Ugggg - I feel terrible emotionally!!!!!!!!!!!

    I had a smoke at lunch then started with the mind games "don't be so weak - just don't smoke"

    This sucks!
  • JeanWalker109
    JeanWalker109 Posts: 220
    Ugggg - I feel terrible emotionally!!!!!!!!!!!

    I had a smoke at lunch then started with the mind games "don't be so weak - just don't smoke"

    This sucks!

    Please don't be super hard on yourself. It's a very difficult thing, you're doing. You are NOT weak, by any means. Hang in there.
  • Hayesgang
    Hayesgang Posts: 624
    Update:

    So I made it thru work only smoking 3 cigs - it was a struggle to say the least.

    I'm in a funk and don't want to go to my yoga class but I know I will feel so much better after I recenter myself.

    Get bendy everybody
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