Not new herebut new at quitting smoking! :0)

I smoked for 18 years and quit almost 2 years ago. I LOVE not smoking!!! I can't believe I smoked for as long as I did. Quitting was a struggle but you will definitely NOT have any regrets and will feel so much better!!!! Add me as friend if you want tips/support. Good luck!!

I would stop calling it "quitting" which carries negative connotations. Instead, "give it up" or just "stop".

Keep yourself busy so you're not thinking about smoking. After 7 days the physical withdrawal symptoms should stop.

Be mindful what you say, because your sense of smell may be greatly heightened, which can make normal smells seem offensive. Avoid saying "What is that awful smell?".

Non-smoker for 2.5 years.

I feel your pain girl. I smoked from age 18 until age 26. I am now 30 and still get cravings. I don't think they will ever go away. However, the human brain is an amazing piece of machinary. With determination and some will power, it will get easier with time.

I used to carry around lollipops, twizzlers, and celery sticks. If I had a need for that oral fixation, I would reach for a snack or take a quick brisk walk. Just do anything to take your mind off the craving. Pick up the phone and call someone, log on to MFP, play a game on your phone, go to the bathroom and look in the mirrorr....tell yourself you can do this.

Also, just in the beginning, you need to avoid the things that triggered you to want a cigarette. Mine was drinking alcohol and coffee. Again, eventually, this went away.

You know you are doing the right thing for your health. Not to mention, smoking ages you terribly. You don't want to be one of those lady's whose mouth looks like an accordion...all wrinkly from sucking cigarettes.

Coming up on my 1 year since quitting...hardest thing I ever did. Can't even count how many times I tried to quit before then.

Smoked from age 15-21

I did not 'quit' smoking....I am just not having one today (or tomorrow, or the next day...). Have not had one now for over a year, come to think of it.

^^^Well said...and done!^^ That's the mentality you need for success.

When I quit smoking, I spent a lot of time writing down the benefits I gained as a nonsmoker. I wrote out each one in complete sentence form, for example. As a nonsmoker I don;t stink of cigarettes. Notice the current tense, from the moment you quit you are a nonsmoker. So, you have already gained or started gaining the benefits. I wrote them several times a day in the beginning and then less and less as time passed. It helped me a lot!

I smoked from the time I was 17 until I quit at 35. It will be one year in January. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I had the same thing with the mouth ulcers and I was pure evil. You will see that the cravings still hit you but less frequently and they dont last as long. I still occasionally see someone smoking and get a craving but you just have to remember that it will pass. I am amazed how much better I feel. My energy level is through the roof. If you told me a year ago I woudl be running 5 miles at a time I would have laughed in their face (and then it would have turned into a coughing fit). Another plus is smelling better. I had no idea how bad the smoke on my clothing stunk until I quit and smell it on other people. Good luck to you!!