I quit on a Wednesday. In my warped thinking, I thought it would be best to get a couple of smoke-free days under my belt before Friday night happy hour came around! It worked for me, but it may not be the best thing for you. I also chose the middle of the week because I knew that I needed distraction and needed to keep myself busy! Work was the perfect place to accomplish both and there no way I could smoke at work. I knew if I was at home, I would have too many smoking reminders nearby and nothing was there to stop me from driving to the convenience store up the road! So, the middle of the week was best for me.
Everyone's plan is different. The imprtant thing is to have a plan! Remember the 6-P's... Proper Planning Prevent Piss-Poor Performance! Use the information in the Program to come up with a plan that you think will work for you! I know you want to get this quit underway, but prepare well and you're chances for success increase! Write down that list of coping mechanisms you are going to use to avoid smoking. Gather up ingredients for your "crave basket"! Psych yourself up with Positive self talk! Then, when the time comes for you to crush that last cigarette, there will be no anxiety!!! All that will be left is Shannon chomping at the bits... ready to kick that nico-demon's ash!
Prepare well, read and learn your lessons well and get ready to win every battle! You CAN do this!
Great question Hopeful. Good for you for preparing for withdrawal. Having a plan in place is important.
From what I have read in the support group some members have posted about taking time off and others have opted not to do so. To find out about some of the withdrawal symptoms you might experience read Session 3. Remember that every individual is different and every individual quit is different so listen to your body and decide what you think is right for you. Your body will be healing and it may be hard for you to focus, you may be tired. If you don't take time off work do plan to be easy on yourself when you get home. I have read that some members needed the rest so they took time off others felt they wanted to work as a distraction from the cravings.
I'm interested to hear what other members thoughts are on this topic.
What about planning your quit day for the 16th instead (a Friday) and that way you'll have the weekend to get through what may be the most difficult days?
My quit date is November 19th. I am more than a little concerned about the withdrawals since I have not gone one day without nicotine for 16 years. I am wondering if I should plan to take a day or two off of work?
