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Quitting Smoking Diary

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I quit smoking January 1st 2011

I did this for a few reasons - a lot of reasons actually. But I want you to know one thing in particular - I LOVED CIGARETTES, and I still do. The thought of inhaling the smoke I think will always effect me. I enjoyed smoking BUT. I don't want to kill myself. I don't want to die of lung cancer, I don't want my son to smoke, and I don't want to smell like smoke anymore. Those were my tops reasons to quit smoking, so I ran with them.

This quitting smoking journal is for people who are thinking about quitting, quitting and for ME. I think keeping a weekly journal (maybe at some point monthly, or even yearly) will help me.

It is HARD and it is mostly about willpower at first. The longer you have quit the easier it get's but you should never let your guard down. It's always about managing cravings. You may gain weight when quitting - this is normal and should not stop you from quitting - FOOD can replace smoking and smoking increases your metabolism, so it is normal. Finding something other than eating to do when you have a craving is key here, one that I haven't figured out as of (4-20-11) Also take on a small added workout routine at least every other day - I have been working out on my elliptical a few times I week for a half an hour and it helps on top of normal every day activities.

I'm quitting for him

THIS BOOK

how to quit smokingMany people have found this book to be extremely helpful with quitting smoking. Check out the reviews, get a copy and start reading before you quit. PLAN AHEAD! you want to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Quitting smoking has many side effects, which you will want to minimize. The best first step it to plan your quit date, and be prepared.

I would recommend buying this book, joining online support groups, keeping a journal (whether public or not), and picking an over the counter or prescription quitting smoking aid. You want to have as many "safety nets" as possible so that you never again fall back on the smoking safety net. Don't let the cigarettes control you anymore!

Day 1

Happy day!

Seriously a very good day, it's not so bad, when I have a craving I go in my bedroom and just lay down, or take a shower, or find something to take my mind off of it. In an effort to not be a b-tch I've been super nice and happy :-)

I've been using the patch


It is super itchy sometimes, but OK, I'm not sure what it is or isn't doing for me at this point.

Day 2

This sucks

This is crazy, I feel manic, completely manic today. It feels like I am fighting with myself inside - EMOTIONALLY EXHAUSTING is how I would put it. It's an inner struggle I don't know if I was expecting. It feels like my shoulders and neck are always tense. It's hard to sleep. AND once I start eating - I don't stop.

I am so lucky to have my husband here with me, and he is so totally supportive of me in this fight. He quit 3 years ago, so he is kind of like my quitting smoking sponsor. I know I couldn't be doing this without his help and support.

Day 3

can't sleep

I seriously have a hard time sleeping at night. I wake up every hour. My husband thinks it's the Nicotine patches so I'm gonna take it off tonight for good. We'll see how that goes. This is the ultimate test of sheer willpower, it's as if my body is not on my side right now. Sending me the wrong signals.

Day 5

Eating - a lot

I have my ups and downs, I don't use the patch anymore it doesn't seem any worse without the patch. One minute I'll be cleaning an entire room, the next I'll be eating and trying to to get too stressed - manic is truly the word. I also have developed a bit of a cough, but I've read that this is a sign of my body healing itself. It does hurt, but no more ciggies! Damnit!

Sometimes - and I know this sounds crazy, it feels like I've lost a part of me.

Day 7

ONE WEEK

My New cute purse - a Reward for quitting smokingWell, at this point I'm not ever going back. I feel better than I did on day one, not so manic anymore. BUT, I'm feeling depressed a bit, it really is one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time. On the good side - I have made some great meals this week (and eaten too much of them) AND Because I promised to reward myself after 1 week I bought this purse I've had my eye on from bayanhippo at Etsy.com

I don't know how long it will take before I don't think about cigarettes. I think about them a lot, and miss them, but I know it's just my body, and addiction playing tricks on me, and I want to live a long and healthy life, I know quitting smoking is the first step in this journey to health. I may be a bit depressed now, but maybe in a few weeks or a month, I will feel a lot better and healthier.

Day 9

Distractions

Usually it the mornings I'm up and energetic, happy and all over the place. I swear I've gotten more cleaning done this week than in the past 6 months. I've also played more video games. It's all about distracting myself these days. By nighttime I'm exhausted, mentally and physically. It's strange. It's over a week now and the cigarettes have this much power still, it makes me angry.

I wish I had never started smoking. It feels like before I was addicted, I will forever be changed by them. I smoked for over 15 years, I started smoking when I was 12 years old - I don't even remember the non smoking me.

Day 11

STRESSFUL

Today was the first really stressful day I've had in a while. BUT I think I handled it quite well. I had my moments of sure fiery frustration. But looking back on the day - not too bad. I am really starting to feel confident about kicking this smoking habit, I'm feeling less like a "smoker" even.

Day 34

34?!?!? Seriously

OK so I really do feel like I can call myself an ex-smoker now, I don't feeling like I am quitting smoking anymore - I feel like I quit smoking. And it feels great. My cravings have went from 10 times or more a day, to one - or none. And I wouldn't even call them cravings anymore - they're more like just fleeting thoughts of a cigarette, but easily dismissed and forgotten. I KNOW I will never touch cigarettes again. I feel so proud and I am so happy that my sons parents are both non-smokers. I know his chances of becoming a smoker have dropped dramatically, because he is so young, he will thankfully never remember me as a smoker.

To those who are thinking about quitting DO IT! It only takes about 20 days before you start to feel normal again. YES I have gained weight, but so far only a little over 5 lbs. I plan on walking more this spring anyway (since I won't be out of breath so much) and I traded 20 horrid days - for more days added to my life potential. That is awesome - and to my sons life.

Bottom line - I might be able to be with my son and husband on this earth for a little bit longer - and that was worth the stress of quitting.

I know you've heard this a million times but - if I can do it - YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Nearly 4 months in

it's easier, but not over

Cigarettes aren't something I think about every hour anymore. I still get a few cravings a day, but they are much more manageable. I eat more breath mints these days they have taken over some of the short term cravings.

I have gained weight - over 10 pounds, and it really sucks. I have been working out on my elliptical a few times I week but need to do it more and stop eating so much. I really need to find a replacement for sweets now because that has become an addiction to replace the cigarette addiction.

I've atrated a few blogs since I have quit, one about family life and the crafty things I have taken on - bubbsnugg.com, one for my artwork Lacychenault.com and one with my husband that's just a humor blog - Quirkins.com We both work from home, so it's all about distractions. Hopefully the spring weather will inspire me to get out more, and perhaps eat a bit less.

Over a year later....

I feel great

I can't even *imagine* smoking ever again in my life. Cigarettes totally stink to me now and I never want to smell like that again. My clothes and hair don't stink. I don't cough all the time and no more lung cookies in the morning. I never have cravings anymore even when I'm around smokers really I'm just worried about the stench getting on me. What a difference a year makes. I remember that first week being so horrible. I never thought even 2 years ago that's I'd ever really quit smoking, but I did! I feel healthier than I've felt my whole life at the ago of 30 - the 30s do seem like they will be great for me now that I am officially a non-smoker.

For QUITTERS

How did you do it? Did you go cold turkey or use some other technique? How long had you been smoking for?

Most importantly - How long before you felt "normal" again?

  • GoodinDevelopments Jan 18, 2011 @ 7:29 pm | delete
    9 years smoking, 5 years clean. Hang in there!
  • PaulOnBooks Jan 9, 2011 @ 5:26 am | delete
    Watch those trigger situations! Make sure you're ready fro when the bad days happen -- best of luck!
  • ElleChen Jan 9, 2011 @ 9:17 am | delete
    I'm thinking about making a lens on preparing to quit, because really knowing my trigger was a part of that. I knew them all and was really, really prepared for the urges (but still, until you've had one, who can really be prepared?) :-)
  • NanaPoppins Jan 9, 2011 @ 3:15 am | delete
    Cold Turkey!! Drink lots of water, it flushes the nicotine out of your system. The hardest time for me was after dinner and phone calls. I found I couldn't sit down, if I sat down I wanted a cigarette. I cried in the evenings at first, the hubby worked nights and the boys went to bed and I would watch anything .. Boohoohoo. They say it was a stress release. Just remember this - you probably went and took a break to smoke before - don't forget the break now.. Just without the cigarette!

    You are doing great! Pick up a pen.. Or scrapbook or write or walk when you are stressed.. Not food!
  • ElleChen Jan 9, 2011 @ 9:16 am | delete
    I'm trying not to turn to food, but really learning to forgive myself when I do. Gaining 5-10 pounds is still healthier than smoking, and I can lose the weight, I never want to smoke again.
  • ChrisDay Jan 9, 2011 @ 1:48 am | delete
    Keep going - the goal is worth it!
  • darciefrench Jan 9, 2011 @ 1:20 am | delete
    I've quit many times, many different ways. The best was when I went cold turkey- first few days were difficult but once the detox was complete it got much easier. Hang in there, and if you really want to start again in the future, try a nicotine alternative vs picking up cigarettes (like the inhaler). I'm adding your lens to my Nicotine Alternatives lens and wishing you all the success in the world.
  • ElleChen Jan 9, 2011 @ 9:14 am | delete
    I practically did because I only wore the patch for 2 days, I really don't think it did much. More than anything I think this quitting smoking thing is a mind thing - I know it is a physical addiction, but the mental one was/is the hard part for me.
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Best Way to Quit

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  • I-sparkle Jan 9, 2011 @ 10:22 am | delete
    Great lens. The best thing I can think to say, "keep visualizing the big picture". Cigarette free, and feeling good emotionally and physically again. You are doing such a wonderful job, keep up the good work!
  • hotbrain Jan 9, 2011 @ 10:14 am | delete
    Excellent goal and lens. I wish you success in staying smoke free :) I hope that it only gets better and better. And think of all the money you'll be saving! If you can, use it for a vacation or something :)
  • LisaAuch Jan 9, 2011 @ 9:02 am | delete
    well done you! total respect
  • AlmostSkateboards Jan 9, 2011 @ 1:48 am | delete
    Good Job!
  • mini_cheong Jan 8, 2011 @ 10:24 pm | delete
    Wow, you're doing a good job holding down the urge. I don't smoke myself, but I have seen a few people "try" but never did. So you are on your way to freedom. :D
    Keep it up, good lens
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ElleChen

There are many pieces to me. I am a wife,mother,artist,feminist,atheist, who is always learning and trying to hopefully improve. Onward and upward!

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