For reasons beyond my control, my pre-quit stage lasted 3+ weeks. In my opinion, this was too long, but, in that time I realized that many people have no idea how to start. I had tried to quit so often before, I knew that I had to prepare myself properly this time. I found this site, (Thank Goodness!) at the beginning. I thought it might be a good idea to note some bits of advice from those 3+ weeks. Usually this will bring a flood of advice from other people here at SSC, because they are the most caring, loving people it has ever been my privilege to meet.
DO be totally honest with yourself. - You have to admit, (and mean it,) that you are an addict. – A junkie.
DO come on the site and read lots of posts and articles. - I got so much good advice here from so many different people.
DO post in yourself and ask any questions you have. - The answers may surprise you and make you think differently about your quit.
DO take time to do the online quit programme. - This helps you to understand your smoking and yourself.
DO make out your coping and reward plans. - This lets you feel prepared for whatever the Nicodemon throws at you once you quit.
DON’T try to quit on a whim. - Some people have done this and succeeded, but very few I suspect. You need to think about the implications of quitting.
DON’T make your pre-quit stage too long. – I did this and it became very difficult not to give up the whole idea of quitting by the time I got there.
DON’T be too hard on yourself while you get ready. - I did this and it made me dislike myself intensely by the time I got near my quit. You have to love yourself to quit!
DON’T be afraid to post. - All the struggles you read about can make you feel that your problems are nothing, as you are still smoking while you prepare. I resisted posting when I was down for this reason, and I became very depressed.
-On the day you pick to quit, start that morning without a cigarette.
-Don't focus on what you are missing. Think about what you are gaining.
-Tell yourself you are a great person for quitting. Remind yourself of this when you want a smoke.
-When you get the urge to smoke, take a deep breath. Hold it for ten seconds, and then release it slowly.
-Keep your hands busy. Doodle, play a sport, knit or work on a computer.
-Change activities that were connected to smoking. Take a walk or -read a book instead of taking a cigarette break.
-Don't carry a lighter, matches or cigarettes.
-Go to places that don't allow smoking, such as museums and libraries.
-Eat low-calorie, healthful foods when the urge to smoke strikes. Carrot and celery sticks, fresh fruits and fat-free snacks are good choices.
-Drink a lot of fluids. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine. They can trigger urges to smoke. Select water, herbal teas, caffeine-free soft drinks and juices.
-Exercise. Exercising will help you relax.
-Hang out with non-smokers.
-Get support for quitting. Tell others about your milestones with pride.
Additionally:
Join a smoking cessation group, whether on the net, like this one, or in the non-virtual world... or both.
Keep a supply of candies around to suck on.
Write a list of 'reasons I'm quitting smoking', and look at it from time to time, - more often in the beginning.
Remind yourself that the physical and emotional discomfort of withdrawal means that you're becoming a non-smoker. The pain means you're winning the battles, and ultimately, the war.
Reward yourself often.
Quitting smoking is doable and is one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. On these boards there is a wealth of information and encouragement, real stories, real people, all from different walks of life, ages, and backgrounds, the one thing we have in common is that we are nicotine addicts and have chosen to put this wicked addiction to rest. It is not going to be an easy ride for some, but with the determination support and a strong mindset, anything is possible!
It is my belief that you have to learn to be a non smoker. After years and years of smoking and years and years of being controlled by an addiction, you have to fight back and take control. Here are some coping skills to help you through your journey.
