Monday is just around the corner...

[missymomo]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post as an Ex member.  My quit date is Monday, October 19.  Honestly, I wish it would come sooner so I could get started.  I feel prepared this time.  I've smoked for 26 years, more than half of my life.  I quit for 4 years some time ago, but stress brought me back.  Very thankful that I found this website, so much support and great information.  

Thank you all for unknowingly inspiring me and uplifting me.  

Let the journey begin.

😉

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome o the Ex community Missy.  Congratulations on your decision to commit to stop smoking.   Our resolve is to never smoke again.  NOPE  “Not one puff ever.”  I suggest that you follow the steps on the web page along with reading, writing, studying, researching.   This is all about you and what you are willing to do to be a nonsmoker.  Here is a link to Allen Carr’s book Easy Way to Quit Smoking an easy read, suggested by the elders which is quite helpful. If you take the time to do the work you will have success.  There is no magic pill to quitting.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

Also check out www.whyquit.com. There is a lot of beneficial information.  Look for Freedom From Nicotine My Journey Home and Nicotine Addiction 101.  Stay close to the site and learn, ask questions. Read the blogs enjoy your commitment to quit smoking. If you should need something to do here is  a link that will help https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

You have to do the work!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

The most important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I also highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. I think you will be amazed at what you don't know.

As well, read the sections on this site, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com for the good information contained there. You should also do the tracking and separation exercises suggested on this site

After you have completed the recommended reading, it will be time to make an informed choice of the quit aid, if any, you will use. If you go that route, I personally recommend the aids that don't let the addict control the dose such as the available prescription drugs or the patch. But – any method that you think will work well for you will be best for you.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to smoke so the view is different.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around your head alone.  Get busy!

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[TerrieQuit]

Hello. Missy! Welcome! You have come to the right place to quit smoking! Congratulations on your decision! Education is power, read everything you can and all of the above material given by Jackie. Come her often and read and blog! It really does help! Stay close to this site. If I can aid you in any way just hollar!

Committment and willingness will bring you a long way! They are the 2 major ingredients!

Terrie  99  DOF

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Welcome! Let's get this Quit on the Road!

[Giulia]

Glad you've joined us.  Monday!!   How exciting!  From those badges you've earned it looks like you've been doing your homework. Good!  Hard work pays off here. 

There are two stages to quitting.  The doing of it and then the maintainance of it.  Both need rigorous attention.  Blogging is great tool.  Active engagement here not only helps to motivate but to keep you in safe harbors.  So stick around!  Chin up and have heart!