Why Quit

So this is my...so many times I have lost count, attempt at giving up smoking. I have tried it all. Patches, gum, tablets, hypnosis, reading books, listening to an American voice chant at me " I am a non smoker" over and over again via tape. I have even given up previously for 12 months (and I felt fantastic!!). You might think I would give up, giving up. Nup. I don’t look at all my past attempts as failures they were learning experiences. Now I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I know what tempts me, I know all the excuses I will tell myself to just have one puff and I know what ever the excuse I will regret it. 

The things that I personally found helpful was starting exercise before my quit date. Not running 5k's   or going to the gym. Gentle enjoyable exercise. Starting small and working from there. Doing something I enjoy even just stretching. Giving up can be hard enough on yourself with out beating your self to death with exercise! Although a friend gave up by running till she dropped on the treadmill everyday. So what ever works but for me exercise plays a huge role. Every time I would feel like picking up a smoke because it was too hard, stressful, not coping, had argument, socialising, the list goes on! I went for a walk and felt how improved my lungs were, how much fitter I was and by the time I got home I no longer felt stressed. 

Chewing gum. This helped both on the smoking and eating front. I carry it with me everywhere and just pop it in when needed. 

Coffee. Cigarettes best friend. I still have the odd coffee but for me I knew my chances would improve if I steered clear.

Look in the mirror daily. Look at your skin. Look at your teeth, your hair. You slowly see how you are looking healthier. 

Think of the money you have saved.

There are many reasons to give up smoking but something that I realised is I CAN live without cigarettes. In fact my life will be better without them. Its time for me to stop making excuses for myself and just do it.  

It’s been 21 days and it has not been easy. In fact I will admit that I even went through a mourning period. I missed my constant companion of the last 15 years. But I didn’t stress about it. I accepted it and kept telling my self that this would all pass. And it has. I am still tempted especially with friends when they are all smoking but instead of staying inside when they all go out for a smoke and coffee I still go out with them, I just don’t smoke.

This time I am succeeding. 

Good luck!