I need to quit smoking!

[abbylotus]

Smoking has been my crutch off and on for years. I am embarrassed to admit it! Today is my first day of not smoking and it's not going well. I don't remember stopping as this difficult as in years pass. The last time I was on a smoking kick was three years ago and I had no problem stopping but today is painful. I just have to keep telling myself the reasons why I'm quitting....all very obvious. I follow a vegan diet but I smoke? Totally ridiculous and counter active.

Has anyone had experience with this nicotine and habitual smoking withdrawl? I really don't want to chew the nicotine gum or wear a patch. Wish me luck!

[Jaxinator]

I don't know if this will be helpful for you, but when I was quitting I ate bell peppers whenever I wanted a cigarette. You know that feeling that you need to just keep on eating? It helped with that without being a bag of chips or cookies or whatever.
Another thing that helped:
http://whyquit.com/whyquit/a_benefits_time_table.html

I know it's weird, but knowing the what is actually getting better day by day was kind of nice.

Good luck!!!

[mamefati28]

There is another momma who has posted in this forum recently about stopping smoking. If you look though the threads a few pages, she should come up.
Maybe daily check in's or someone to hold you accountable would help. It did for me. I am 5 years now and have not touched a cig or wanted one. I was a pack a day smoker.
Good luck and you can do this! In fact, each day you move forward the easier and more rewarding it gets!

[sophiesgrandma]

abbylotus, you CAN do it. Replace smoking with habits that will make you feel better.
When you want to smoke choose the act that will most sooth and comfort you.
exercise
drink lots of cool water
breath deeply in and out slowly as if you are smoking
suck on cinnamon sticks
chew strong-flavored gums
suck on pretzel sticks
think hard on why you are quitting when you want to smoke
know the withdrawal symptoms will soon disappear
do stuff with your hands like plucking your eyebrows
knitting
sewing
cleaning
cooking
keep busy
drink tea
suck on hard candy (can be sugarless)
discover things that will make you feel better. this is the time to take gentle, babying care of yourself
TALK to someone about your sad and depressed quitting feelings

I did it. I've been quit for over 6 years. NO cravings and no desires to start again.
Deal with and feel your feelings instead of smoking them away.

You CAN do it. You CAN do it.

[ttcintexas]

This is so hard, but you can do it. I smoked for 10 years--pack a day for many. Quit, started again and finally quit 13 years ago. I remember drinking lots of tea and increasing my exercise. Good luck to you. Stick with it!!!