Quitting advice and tips from someone who quit successfully
After being smoke-free for only 5 months, I know I’m still not out of the woods. After all, what is 5 months compared to a 10-year habit? But, even though I’m still new at being an ex-smoker, I think I can offer some valuable tips for quitting.
First decide which method you feel the most comfortable with. If you know of someone who successfully quit with a particular product, it might give you more confidence in that product. People who have tried many times to quit may do well using a smoking cessation product such as nicotine gum or the nicotine patch in conjunction with Zyban, which is available only by prescription.
Next choose a quit date, maybe 2 or 3 weeks away. That will give you time to mentally prepare and time to say good-bye to your cigarettes. Sticking to your quit date is very important. The night before, throw out ALL your remaining cigarettes, matches, lighters, and ashtrays.
Beginning from day one, you’ll probably miss doing something with your hands and mouth. I found that cutting a straw in half and walking around with that in my mouth helped. I also ate a lot of sunflower seeds. That really keeps your hands and mouth occupied. I was hungrier than usual so I always carried around a baggie of sliced carrots and celery to avoid the weight gain associated with quitting.
In the beginning, you might find it difficult to be around smokers or to go into a very smoky place such as a bar. If you think you’ll be tempted to smoke, avoid these situations until you feel stronger.
When you feel a craving, take a deep breath. No kidding! It really works. I also found that going out for short walks helped to take my mind off my cravings. When I felt the craving for that all-important after-meal smoke, I brushed my teeth instead. Stock up on sugarless gum, too.
This might sound strange, but try to get plenty of sleep. I found that when I was overtired, it was more difficult to deal with stressful situations, which in turn made my cravings for a cigarette much stronger.
Take one day at a time. Each day without smoking is an accomplishment. Set milestones for yourself where you’ll buy yourself a present each time you reach the milestone. I set mine at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and now I reward my self every month.
Talk to others who are quitting (there are support groups online) and to people who have already quit. They can give you the encouragement, understanding, and inspiration you need better than people who have never smoked.
Good luck!
*Note- This was written in June 2000 and I’m still smoke-free!
Tags: nicotine gum, nicotine patch, quit smoking, successfully