You have to WANT to quit
I'd tried and failed a quite a few times in quitting over my 20 year smoking period.
But this time I'd half made my mind up a couple of months before that I needed to quit, the ads on TV were starting to get to me and my fitness was terrible. I'd noticed I wasn't smoking full cigarettes, usually only half or less. I also noticed I was smoking less and less, usually a pack every two to three days or so.
One day towards the end of the day I half jokingly said to myself 'this pack will be my last', almost screwing up the packet on the spot. I smoked the last cigarette in the pack that night and went to bed (old habits die hard).
The next day I woke up, had no cigarettes left and said 'bugger it, I wont buy anymore lets see how long I can go'. That was two months ago. Cold turkey.
Strangely the first two weeks were easy, the next four I was tempted several times to buy a pack but the already noticeable improvement to my health (laugh without coughing, walk up steep hills without losing breath, improvements to taste & smell etc etc) soon brushed aside any craving.
The last two weeks I've taken up walking the dog for 40+ mins where possible and have started riding a push bike I got for Christmas on a local community bush walk and track. I wouldn't have attempted the bike two months ago but I get stronger and fitter everytime I ride it.
The only reason I have succeeded is because I WANTED to quit. No ' I need one after dinner, I need one with a coffee, I'm stressed, they stop me gaining weight, I like to smoke, I'll do it next week'. These are excuses and comments from people who dont WANT to quit. If you are one of these people you will never quit until you WANT to quit.
What i feel like a cigarette now I just tell myself 'I dont smoke anymore'. Works for me.
Hi I have just given up after many attempts, but like you said you have to get it right in your head first. What helped me a lot last week was when I walked up three flights of stairs at a hospital, usually I had to stop a few times up one flight and hope no one was looking. I got so excited that it helped me to quit. Well done.
We just replied to each other at the same time you must be my role model n I have often thought they're evil things.
We just replied to each other at the same time you must be my role model n I have often thought they're evil things.
We just replied to each other at the same time you must be my role model n I have often thought they're evil things.
Thank you very much and congrats also. You are right though. Something just 'clicks' and you decide enough is enough and nothing can break it, determination, mind over matter I guess.
Can't wait until I hit 306 days :))