Recognise and sieze opportunity!

I have been a non-smoker for 13 months now. I was a smoker for the best part of nine years and it feel so good to be free from all it was costing my health and finances.

My journey was not a planned one. I was feeling unwell one morning- while having my first cigarette of the day at 6.30am I put it out half way through as it made me feel even more unwell. I did not know at the time it would be my last. The same nauseated feeling lasted throughout the day so I continued to abstain from smoking. It got a little harder in a few days time when I felt better. Fortunately for me the smell of cigarette smoke became repulsive, however the chemical imbalance of nicotine withdrawl took it's toll- I started to feel down, started experiencing insomnia and a digestive condition worsened, as nicotine often provided temporary relief from it.

With the many options available, my saviours were in natropathy and acupuncture. Choosing effective coping stragies will vary from person to person. Whatever works for the individual. I also felt it was best to avoid certain social situations until I was over the worst of the withdrawl, which for me was about 2 weeks.

Making the first step to quit is a personal choice. Some find they need a plan. If you find you are fearing the challenge or procrastinate about it- I say sieze opportunity! Use your next cold or flu virus (you don't seriously feel like that cigarette while you're congested, feverish and nauseated, right?) Eliminate the nerve wracking anticipation and take the plunge! Help your physical and mental state by keeping vitamins up- particularly B group and immune support such as zinc and Vitamin C. As an added incentive- stash the money you would have spent on cigarettes and use it to treat yourself!

I believe we all deserve redemption for the silly decision to start the nasty habit. Believe you deserve it!