2 weeks, cold turkey
Its been nearly 2 weeks since quitting cold turkey. So far, things are going well. No slip-ups, and the constant desire for a cig is mostly gone. I still get occasional cravings, usually I ignore them or have a piece of gum.
My concentration restored to mostly normal after about 4-5 days. For a short period (2-3rd day) I couldn't hold focus on a task for more than about 3 minutes.
I have noticed that I tend to eat more, so I am trying to be careful about that. Don't want to end up huge.
I find that I go to sleep earlier in the evening now, not because I am tired, but because I frequently feel like I have nothing to do. I used to have a ritual of smoking in the evening before bed, but now since I don't do that, I wander around for a bit trying to figure out what it seems like I am forgetting, then just give up and go to bed anyways.
Overall, worth it. I don't wake up feeling like I licked an ashtray overnight, which is good. I spent some time at a Casino and didn't smoke, which says good things for my willpower to keep this going.
Looking forward to week 3.
Good going. Your doing so well. I'll be charging into week 6 on Monday. I can relate to you going to bed early, I've now read some really great books! I was a bit lost too because that was also my ritual. I don't know how I did it now, Sometimes I'd stay up for hours on end night after night - no wonder I was so exhausted all the time. My sleep is so precious now I feel like I'm catching up on years of lost sleep. My week 3 was probably my best week so far, then week 5 just gone was pretty bad, everyone is different but just watch out in case you find the same because I wasn't expecting it. Like you too, there were some days last week I couldn't concentrate on anything at all the whole day, just walking around in circles and forgetting what I was suppose to be doing every 5 minutes, it was horrible. I'm feeling back on track now though, even had a couple of drinks last night and coped so well, I think I only thought of it briefly once or twice & just disregarded it. Instead of getting annoyed I thought what a relief, thank goodness I don't have to go outside in the cold & rain, I can happily drink inside in front of the fire & change cd's all at the same time. Good luck with it, I'm glad your looking forward to week 3, you can do it.
Two weeks is the most important date. Most cravings stop by the end of the second week. More importantly, you've gone so far! Why would you ever go back?
The hardest part past week two is reminding yourself that you're not a smoker. And you're not, from the moment that you have made the decision to quit you are no longer a smoker, you're just addicted.
Remind yourself that every day you are healthier. Each day is a new challenge, and every craving or thought is an obstacle to overcome!
Humans need to be challenged, so let your mind know that this isn't a punishment. It's a challenge!
Remember to reward yourself, because every day is a success.
:)
I like the comment that it isn't a punishment but a challenge, will take that one with me. I wish I had of had that in my head ages ago, so many times I'd think 'oh, it's just not fair, why can't I have a smoke and I'd kick the ground miserably with a sigh, I'd get down about not being able to have one, yeh like I was being punished. I'd see other people smoking and think, well they're smoking, I should be able to too, not fair. Of course this was just my stupid brain playing up & I quickly turned it around each time. Thank goodness!
Keep going and the day will come when you'll find yourself with a totally full Jeep with all it's 'parts' instead of having to find new parts for your own body & no car to drive because you spent all your money on smokes. Imagine driving along, music up, breathing in the fresh air & sunshine, how good will that be! well done.
well done, you are doing absolutely fantastic. Keep up the great quit you have got going there :)
Also 2 weeks today. Going we'll. Lost 8 pounds with intensive exercise each morning for 1 hour. Lots of water. No bread or sweets. Lots of. Veggies no fried food no deserts. Feeling so so good after smoking for 2 years after quitting for 1 /2 years. Had that 1 ciggerette. Not this time. N1p. Never 1 puff. Congrats to all who are quitting. !!!!!!