twenty four hours, and quit attempt 6? 7? who knows anymore

[decemberschild]

Hello all!

I have a really weak set of lungs--allergic to everything, dust, pollution (And I live in New Delhi which means I'm coughing all the time), mould, you name it. And I was a smoker (I'm saying "was" to keep myself motivated!) I've tried to quit hundreds of times, but you know the old triggers: your friends smoke, you think: "just one when I drink" etc etc. I'm hoping this time it'll take. 

On day two now. Mornings, I managed to beat before, so they're not super hard, plus I do yoga in the mornings which really helps. My weakest time is from 5 to 7 pm, just when it's twilight and you're wrapping up work for the day. I have an e-cig, which is sort of helping.

I'm planning a holiday abroad next month and feeling really scared, because holidays = smoking for me. Any tips on how to relax through a craving?

[toddsmith23]

wow! first off, i have a lot of respect for you for not giving up!!! You obviously want this really badly. The thought of wanting something badly is one of my means of getting through a craving or urge. I also think of all the positive changes my body will go through within a really short period of time after the last cigerette. It's amazing how quickly your body can heal given the chance.

Maybe thinking of the holiday as a new beginning might help? Rather than associating with the smoking experience, try using it as means to a life without smoking experience. 

Where are you going on holiday? Will you have access to the internet? If so, i hope you check in frequently and let this group of people support you.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

smoking is a choice. you know your triggers. your choice to let them rule you is your choice. this is a process. the only way out is getting trhough without smoking until you stop thinking of it.

if you are willing and give it the time it takes, you will succeed.

[Barbara145]

Welcome from the other side of the world.  Glad you found us.  Sounds like you really want this. This site will definitely help you attain your goal.  It did for me when nothing else could.

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome.  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 you have to do the work. 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...

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

For your holiday, change your routine.  Sit in places where you can't smoke.  Don't visit places where everyone is.  Do things you haven't done before so the associations are reduced.  Don't drink - sorry, but quitting needs to remain your #1 priority (drinking reduces your ability to think clearly and maintain your resolve).  If you absolutely must, just sip on one and then switch to non alcoholic.

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, and I think you will be amazed at what you don't know about this addiction.

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.

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

[decemberschild]

Thanks guys! I've read Allen Carr before, but the message never seemed to stick. 😕 I am doing as someone I read online suggested--treating myself very lovingly and carefully, as if I were ill. And what sort of helps is imagining I have cancer (I have a very vivid imagination!!) Obviously cravings are super hard, but I'm riding them out like a roller coaster. Exercise helps. Reading or watching TV also helps. And planning this big holiday: it's great to be distracted with visa stuff or travelogues. Luckily for me, the country I;m visiting is in Europe so cigarettes will be SUPER expensive compared to here at home! 

[TerrieQuit]

Be willing, make a commitment to yourself, and educate yourself. I still read everything I can get my hands on!! Come to this site as often as you can! Congratulations on day ! !

You have made a great choice to quit! Stick with it!

Terrie  94  DOF