I teach college and I have students that smoke in my classes. That seems to be the most annoying part for me. I haven't had too many cravings or problems until I smell smoke on someone else. This is only day six for me, so when will it get to the point where that smells BAD and not good anymore?

Also, I was surprised at how calm I was with my students. I teach three hour classes and we usually have a break in the middle. I used to get really frustrated when my students would try to talk to me during break -- I figured it was my break too and I was going to get my nicotine-- now, I'm way more calm and relaxed. I don't have to go smoke, so I can take care of them.

racheldianne 7 days ago

Hi teacher buddies, I have enjoyed all your comments.  So many of them ring bells ie. finding out that you were not the only smoker on staff and having a really awesome support system, especially my caretaker who supports me all the way. I just finished report cards as nonsmoker.  Everytime before I would reward myself with a cig. after I had made my comments,this time I could not focus and actually hated doing them.  To be perfectly honest I don't think thay came out as good as when I was a smoker.  Does this make sense to anyone?  p.s .  I teach a gr 2/3 split and they are great kids!

gerbear 7 days ago

So far I'm on Day 25 and I'm starting slowly to open up to more of the teachers and administrators about my quit. It's pretty amazing, I'm getting a lot of teachers that either quit, want to quit or are just being incredibly supportive. At first I was reluctant because I was afraid that others would judge me because of my smoking indescretions but it's the complete opposite. Actually now I'm helping two other teachers, two students and my boss to quit! So spread the good word around to your co-workers. It's pretty amazing what you'll find out. :) 

I still have days where I crave an occasional cigarette but I'm starting to see it more for what it's worth: an addictive nuisance that was costing me WAY too much money and I could be using that money more proactively and be healthier! I started my seed pods for my veggie garden last week and this weekend I'm going to a spa to either get a facial or back massage. Either way, it's just to de-stress and use a healthier alternative to relax. 

@MaryTate12: One thing I Was told is that you actually become substantially hungrier when you quit (which I have become) So what I use on breaks is celery with almond butter(I add a bit of honey to make it a little less bland), carrots, single serving bags of salt and pepper popcorn or pretzels and cottage cheese. The toothpicks definitely help with the fixation. Also bringing your toothbrush and toothpaste. I brush my teeth every time I have a major craving and then remind myself how much BRIGHTER my smile will be after all the nicotine stains have left my teeth. 

@GA:  I'm VERY glad that you've quit and I'd be happy to talk to you if you'd like it. I'm happy to see inspiration of any kind to quit this habit. 

If anyone has further questions or comments PLEASE do not hesitate to let me know! 

Sending lots of love and hope for the best! Remember! Let Gratitude be your Attitude and take it one day at a time! Own your triggers and remember this is just a yucky addicting habit and how amazing you're going to smell, things are going to taste, how much better you're going to be able to breathe, etc. 

nari 20 days ago

Chewing straws sounds like a good idea.  I'm trying to find those cinnamon flavored tooth picks to keep in my car for long trips.

marytate12 22 days ago

You young folks are inspiring to us older ones.  I taught 22 years, and have been an administrator of the last ten.  I hope it's ok that I commented here. 

I quit fifteen days agol.  I've really been helped by a site called whyquit.com

Good luck to all of you; hang in there with your quits!

ga 23 days ago

I can do it-  Lung Disease is a serious health problem but you know that. What I did was I made a pro and cons list. I put together everything I did and didn't like about my habit. It's pretty surprising when it comes down to everything. I had 5 reasons that I liked smoking and a staggering 23 reasons why I didn't. It's an addiction and the withdrawl makes us think that we can't live without them. You can! and think about how you could be spending your breaks inside and warm. 

If you're stressed with school in session, find a buddy that can listen (but be careful). You don't want to rely heavily on them, by doing so makes them a crutch and if for whatever reason they let you down- it'll give you a reason to relapse. 

I know I haven't started teaching but I work for a local high school full-time as a Liason and am going to school full time. I figure once I get my foot in the door and am actually a full time teacher, I'll want to do more proactive things with my time. 

How heavy of a smoker were you? few cigs a day, pack a day or even more? 

I was a pack a day and it's been two weeks today (woo hoo!) and realized how much time smoking was eating up my time.  I am more efficient, have more time on my hands, I can breathe, smell and taste things so much more vividly. I am saving the money as a reward program. Last week, I bought a new bottle of perfume. I'm quicker witted and more energized than before (however the first week was a bit grueling). Caffiene is so much more effective now so I don't drink as much. In the morning I'm not coughing and hacking, I can also take Deep breaths and no longer have a weeze. The only downside right now is that I can't drink whatsoever because of the medication I'm taking. So for 4 months I'm completely sober from anything. It'll be good though, because drinking and social activities were some of my major triggers

I promise you I can do it, the perks totally outweigh it. I know I'm technically not teaching yet but I'm still here to lend a hand to anyone that needs it. I figure that if you've had the passion from you from the start that you were born a teacher, so whether I'm in the classroom or not yet-it's still in my heart and I'm working on it. Only 2 more years, I start my field work next fall. I'm soooo excited! 

nari 30 days ago

I, too, am a teacher who has smoked for the last 31 years of my life - 26 of those as a teacher. I'm always so relieved when I see the VERY FEW smokers at a conference or inservice rush outside to smoke during breaks. I ALWAYS feel like I'm doing something wrong. I guess I am.  I found out last week that I have lung disease.  I told my family, friends and coworkers. I shouldn't have. They won't let it go. I keep saying, "You can't make me quit if I don't want to. I like smoking." I don't know if I do or don't. I've quit several times through the years and always during the summer and went back to smoking just as soon as school started. I know you all know the feeling. Anyways, I'm going to try it soon. Thanks for starting this group Nari. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS, Lory. I'd love to have a discussion on this with someone. I really need the support from a teacher that knows.

I can do it 32 days ago

So far, I found out that three other teachers smoked after I told them that I was quitting. They have asked my habits and I think they too will soon be quitting. 

nari 34 days ago

i agree...i teach third grade kids....yet never wanted them to see me smoking...i guess you could say i was a closet smoker....well two months ago, i finally did it, after months of hating it, counting them, and scaring myself about cancer....

i chewed straws for a couple weeks...hehe...but i haven't caved yet....and i won't!!

lorybks 35 days ago