Cleaning Out the Car

[exsmokermom]

Tomorrow my plan is to clean out the car.  Empty the ashtray, take it to a self wash and vacuum and shampoo the carpets.  Any suggestions for my last day of smoking? I went to the grocery and stocked up on some snacks (celery and carrot sticks). I don't like gum, so any alternatives for gum? I was thinking about some Tic-Tacs.

[janet97]

Some very strong mints, small straws, and my husband went on line and got me some lollipops, called smoking sucks, there is no nicotine in them, they contain trypotan, and the cinnamon ones are my favorite, good luck, only into my second week!

[kristine5-27-14]

I got by with almonds, "emergency" chocolate and a book of sudoku... and lots of blogging!! Hope you enjoy your clean and fresh car! ♡

[JonesCarpeDiem]

some have used sunflower seeds. I used wintogreen lifesavers.

After you've cleaned your car, put 1/2 an apple under the front seat on each side. It works to remove the residual odors. 

[Storm.3.1.14]

Set aside the last 3 or 4 cigarettes, and smoke them as part of either a "funeral" or a "goodbye party". The point is to END this thing in a memorable way that you can specifically look back on with pride. Smoke them after a celebratory dinner you threw in honor of YOURSELF, not them. Or go to a quiet lake, alone, and say goodbye to each of them, explaining to YOURSELF why it has to end (you don't owe THEM any explaination).

Now, there are people who will say that this is NOT a smart idea. They say you should NOT be celebrating cigarettes by giving them any sort of "party". Perhaps you agree with them, and that's fine. But, I think it could help provide a moment of closure that can inspire you in the days to come. After all, if we are asked to work through the grieving process, why not kick it off with a funeral and/or a festive wake?

Something to consider.

Also, if you're going to be doing all that car cleaning ON your quit day, PLEASE be mindful that you will probably want one of those "a chore is finished, time for a smoke!" cigarettes. Be prepared, and breathe through it.

You got this!

[djmurray]

The only thing I would add is if you are used to smoking in your car, set up something to do instead.  For me, having something to sip on was really helpful.  The car was my hardest hurdle to get over, and having something to sip on (started with Sprite, went to Diet Green Tea and now I'm at water) made all the difference.  That and deep breathing.

[Summer-Rain]

Congrats on your decision to quit.  tha'ts the best thing you can do for yourself.  Cinnimon candy helpsme out a lot.  sometimes you can find it in sugar free as well.

The journey continues

[bonniebee]

The thing that has helped me the very most with the  hand to mouth habit is a straw cut into thirds I keep them everywhere so when I get a crave and automatically look for that invisible cigarette I end up with a straw in my hand ! Especially in the car !  Box of straws only $1.00 in Walmart

[bonniebee]

Lisa are you using the patches or are you going cold turkey ?

[bonniebee]

I noticed in your profile that you like to knit ...Knitting has helped me alot !!!

[sparky26]

Cinnamon candy is what my husband and I used/use  when a crave/thought  came.

Come here often , and remember the longer you go without smoking the less you want it.

You have to give it time and early on remind yourself often that you don't do that any more and be sure to feel good about that .

If your up for it tomorrow would be a good day to start spring cleaning .

[Julia_Amy]

I used to sing my head of on the car. It worked the best for me. Also think of activities you did and never smoked while doing them. For me it was singing, taking a bath, shopping. I didn't not smoke on the street or while hiking, at the gym or swimming. Good to have those activities in the front of your brain as a go-to when you're experiencing a rough patch.

[joyeuxencore]

Congratulations on the best decision ever!!! To take your life back! 

YES on the cut the straws into 3rds...I had a straw in my mouth constantly. Also I found that when a crave hit if I broke into jumping jacks until I was winded (which happened almost immediately!) it reminded me why I wanted to quit. To BREATHE!!! 

Craving Kickers

Did you know most cravings only last 3 to 5 minutes?

20 Craving Kickers

1. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, “What do I really want right now?” Keep asking yourself the question til you figure out what you really need right now (probably not really a smoke).

2. Drink a glass of water.

3. Call a friend.

4. Write down 3 things you are grateful for in your life.

5. Do 25 jumping jacks.

6. Take a 3-5 minute walk.

7. Go brush your teeth.

8. Paint your nails. (OK Guys TRIM your nails!)

9. Get a jar of bubbles and go blow bubbles

10. Play your favorite music and dance for a bit.

11. Write down 3 reasons you want to be smoke free.

12. Chomp on some raw veggies or fruit. The crunchier the better!

13. Cut a straw into the length of a cigarette and chew on it. Or use a cinnamon stick.

14. Get out some paper and doodle.

16. Take 5 minutes and write yourself a love note.

17. Do a crossword puzzle or Sudoku.

18. Imagine how you will feel tonight knowing you made it another day smoke-free!

19. Find a video on YouTube that makes you laugh. Congrats, you made it!

20. Look in the mirror and tell yourself “I love you and I will take care of you”.

[joyeuxencore]

[exsmokermom]

Good suggestions. Thank you. I never new about the apples. And, yes, driving is going to be my biggest hurdle. I thought about putting a sticky note on the car's ashtray saying  "NO" to help me when I drive.  Straws, water, and deep breathing.