Quit Smoking - would like some encouragement

[coloradomama]

It's been 11 years since I quit cold turkey - the day I found out I was pregnant with DD. When I found out, I had one more cigarette and then I quit. It was hard, particularly because DH did not quit (he still smokes, actually - just not in the house, not in the car). The first few days were very difficult as I was getting over the physical withdrawal. I think I chewed a lot of gum but all day morning sickness also kept me from smoking. It was habits like the after meal cigarette and smoking in the car that were most difficult for me. But stick it through...as each day goes on, you will feel better and better.

My MIL recently quit and she needs anti-smoking meds to help her with that. If that's a route you need to take, don't feel bad about it.

I like the encouraging things written on note cards idea. You might also want to list all of your personal reasons for quitting and carry it with you. That way, when you are having a tough time with it you can look at that list and remind yourself why you're quitting.

I know that's all easier said than done - I've been there and know it's difficult. But you can do it, okay? Just take it a minute at a time, an hour, a day at a time.

 

[CLD]

Christy,

I started a similar thread in June and got HUGE support from the guys here!!!!
I quit smoking cold-turkey style on July 1st. I had set my mind for the past couple of months that June 30th I will smoke my last cigarette. I know it must be me, but I don't miss it, didn't need substitutes and didn't replace it with another healthier habit. I just quit. Even passed some resistance tests this past month: smoking after a meal in a restaurant or at home, smoking while having a drink at a bar, smoking while bored at work and/or drinking coffee...
What mainly keeps me going is the thought that if I could smoke AND do Cathe's cardio DVDs imagine what it must feel to do them WITHOUT smoking!!! I used to have a cup of coffee and 5-6 cigarettes in the morning right before doing my cardio... Imagine that!

Now I just drink my cup of coffee and head on to my workout room with a big bottle of cold water! There's nothing more exhilarating than this! I think that once the hard period is over you will wonder how it was possible to even light up let alone smoke a whole cigarette!!!
I sometimes have dreams about accidentally lighting up and feel sick!

Chris.

Chris, that's amazing!!! I know what you mean about smoking before cardio - it's so stupid, but I always wanted one right when I woke up in the morning - and consequently that's when I do my workout!

Anyway, congratulations on being so successful! I am so amazed at all the support here, and I know where I will be next time I'm going through something difficult!! Everyone here is so amazing - I can't thank you all enough!!

 

[CLD]

Keep it up Christy! I just celebrated my 6th year of being smoke free in July. It is so hard to do, but so worth it in the end. I personally find it gets easier with each passing year. I don't even get cravings anymore.

I remember I used to sew or do needlepoint when I had cravings to get my hands moving. I had the 30 people at my work each write down on a notecard their encoraging words and I put all of them on a ring and carried that around with me for almost 3 months. Whenever I was down or anxious, I'd pull it out of my purse and read the notecards. I took medication for the first month to help with withdrawl symptoms. It's about finding what works for you, and since you've quit before, you have experience, so I know you can do it!

Keep the faith and believe in yourself!

Brandie, that card idea is awesome!! I did make myself a list of personal reasons & that seems to help! I might just take up that suggestion! Thanks!

 

[cakebaker]

I quit in Sept. of 1992

I used the patches - it's OK to use a crutch. It was actually easy since the patches wean you off nicotine. I never got any cravings - the worst part are the "lighting up habits" such as if you're used to smoking with your AM coffee & the like. I must say I never got crabby, but I did gain weight because it's true that your metabolism slows down some. I gained about 15 lbs. & it took me a long time to get it off, but knowing what I know now about nutrition & exercise, I don't think I would have let myself gain weight.

 

[LasVegasFitGirl]

ME

WOW!!!!! You guys are amazing!!! I'm overwhelmed with how much support I've gotten - THANKS!!! Oh, and by the way, I can't remember who it was who mentioned doing a tough cardio tape to make myself not want to smoke - that's one of the main reasons I quit! I just love my cardio, but I couldn't do it anymore! My heart and lungs actually hurt - in a bad way - every time I'd try to do my favorite cardio tapes. But soon that will be over! I'm so impressed - thanks again for all the encouragement and support - it means the world to me!!

I said it. Because I quit 4 years ago after 20 years of smoking. I took it one minute and one hour at a time. If you don't have any, you can't smoke any. I didn't put myself in situations where I could/would smoke. Like, being with someone who smokes because you can always bum a cig off 'em.

I say workout hard, because I hated how my lungs felt after a tough workout. I used to hurry up and work out so I could go have a cigarette. Ugh! I do not miss it one bit! And I'll never start again because I sure as heck don't want to have to quit again.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU! I'M BEHIND YOU 199%

 

[CLD]

Barb, I know what you mean - I sometimes almost felt like I was going to throw up when I was done with cardio while I was smoking - I'm thinking that's not normal!! Again, thanks - it's all awesome advice - from everyone!! I still can't believe how awesome everyone here is!!

 

[nancy324]

Hi everyone! I finally quit smoking...again! I had quit for two years previously. Then, I had some REALLY stressful things happen all at once in my life and used it as an excuse to start smoking.

However, now I've got my head set and I've quit again. I'm very moody the past few days...I guess that would be putting it lightly! There's no way I'm going to start again - I'm too stubborn & I won't let myself screw up again. However, if any of you have anything that might help me not be such a .... well, you know ..... I'd appreciate it!

If you find yourself feeling down for more than a few days, I would seek medical help. Most smokers are actually self-medicating for an underlying condition, such as dysthymia. If you treat the condition, you won't need the nicotine, and you'll feel fine. There is no need to suffer given the wonders of modern medicine.

 

[Jasmin416]

I am right there with you girlie. I just smoked my last cigarette 2 days ago. I've quit 3 times so far in my life for about 2 years each time. I am making this my last towards a smoke free life. I also used to smoke about 6 cigarettes in the morning with my tea before doing my workout. Crazy! Thats what is making me quit the most...the fact that I can't do my workouts like I used to. Sometimes I end them about 3/4 of the way through because I feel weak. It's been hard but I am determined as well.

 

[CLD]

I am right there with you girlie. I just smoked my last cigarette 2 days ago. I've quit 3 times so far in my life for about 2 years each time. I am making this my last towards a smoke free life. I also used to smoke about 6 cigarettes in the morning with my tea before doing my workout. Crazy! Thats what is making me quit the most...the fact that I can't do my workouts like I used to. Sometimes I end them about 3/4 of the way through because I feel weak. It's been hard but I am determined as well.

Congratulations!!! I'm glad I have a "quitting" buddy! I'm on Day #5 now, and it just keeps getting easier. My doctor prescribed me Xanex a while ago to help me manage stress in my life, and I used that a couple times the first 3 days. However, yesterday & today I've used nothing & I'm feeling a lot better than I was!! Now it's just a matter of getting the stupid habit out of my mind - the easiest part, right?

 

[Jasmin416]

Yes Christy

I will be your quit smoking buddy. We can do it! I just got done exercising, did Pyramid upper body and I feel better however I kind of miss my "after my workout" cigarette. I'm trying to keep busy.

I am also planning on joining a gym to get back to my spin classes. The rates are reasonable and the monthly cost is the amount I paid in one week for cigarettes. Crazy huh?