Getting up the gumption to do it, if not the hardest, did take the longest.
Third day was pretty horrid because I didn't realize the physical withdrawals would be over soon. I know I'd read about it, but the third day felt like it had been six months and I was a bit out of my mind (i.e., normal). That was the day I bought a pack, not to smoke, but to shred. Worked great, although I don't recommend it for any but the most committed to their quits.
Around 30 - 40 days was another hurdle. Discovered my smoke breaks were also my safety valve for pressures at work. Quitting smoking plugged the valve and the pressure built until I popped (not pretty). It actually happened three times in about two weeks before I figured out what was going on. Luckily my boss and coworkers are great people and I still have my job.
Then around days 85 - 90 I hit another rough spot for about three days. Worst cravings of my quit. Spent a couple of evenings just curled up fetal on the couch waiting for them to go away. I knew what was happening from other's experiences, so I knew they'd pass if I just waited long enough.
Three things helped me the most:
1) Sunflower seeds. Shelled and ate them one at a time. Lots of hand and mouth activity, but very little intake and impact on the waistline.
2) My "strawerette". I cut a straw that was about the same diameter as a cig to about the same length as a cig. Then I folded and crimped (bit) the "fire" end until it felt like a cig when I sucked on it. Made a fantastic prosthetic. Carried it in my shirt pocket so fishing it out was just like grabbing a smoke. BTW, Cracker Barrel straws are the best.
3) Watching a minute or two ahead of what I was doing, looking for times I would have lit up. When I saw one coming (i.e. leaving a store), I would expect a crave to hit. Found that anticipated craves are much weaker than surprise ones, if they happen at all.
Hope this helps, Cuddles. :) Congrats on 5 days.
Shevie
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 243
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,878
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $923.4
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 45 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 23 [B]Seconds:[/B] 16