Day 1

[alhyland]

I picked today as another one of many other Day 1's.  I am posting my reasons to quit as I get an http 404 error when I try to do it from the main page.

1. To save money.
2. To save my health.
3. To look better.
4. To breathe more deeply naturally.
5. To have more energy.
6. So my grandson doesn't have to endure second-hand smoke.
7. To stop burning holes in things.
8. To stop polluting the house and everything in it.
9. To stop the nicotine "coverage" on walls, ceilings and everything else.

[sweetplt]

Hi @alhyland glad you are doing the work and preparing for your quit.  Make Day 1, Day Won…Keep close…keep busy and drink lots of water…You can do this…~ Colleen 1105 DOF

[alhyland]

Thank you!  The water is what I always forget about.

[tracy0924]

@alhyland I’m glad to see that you are giving it another go. Let’s make this time your final quit! It sounds like you are doing your homework and planning ahead of time which is great! The first week won’t be easy, but you can do it if you have determination, have a plan, and if you stick close to this site! Post daily if you need to for support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Just DON’T SMOKE! 
I hope you have done your reading about nicotine addiction, and that you have come up with alternatives for all of your triggers for smoking. I had to totally change up my routines in the beginning. In fact I am still going by a totally different routine than I did before I quit. If you get a hard crave, drink water, suck on sour candy, chew on a straw, chew a piece of gum (regular or nicotine… not sure if you are using NRT). Make sure you refer to the list of 100 things to do instead of smoking!

You can do this! And we are all here for you! I hope you will post often so that we can see your progress! It won’t be easy, but IT WILL BE WORTH IT!!

 Take care🤗💕

Tracy💜

80 DOF

[alhyland]

Thanks, Tracy.  I do have the 100 things list printed out. 🙂

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

I notice you have been reading on the site. Good idea!   I have a couple of recommendations if you haven't already seen them.  To understand what nicotine does to your body and mind, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”    You can search for it online or at your local library.  Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpWMgPHn0Lo&feature=youtu.be

From my own experience and that of others here, if you decide to use a quit aid, I recommend those that don't let the addict control the dose such as Rx drugs and the patch.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from when you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  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! .  Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.
 
You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Keep a cold bottle of water with you. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit “Games”: The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the page.

Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/t5/Journals-Blogs/101-Things-to-Do-Instead-of-Smoke/ba-p/1028319

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

[SimplySheri]

Congrats on Day 1!!  Excellent reasons for quitting as well 🙂  You are worth it, you deserve it, and life truly can be lived without a cigarette in hand.  Sending you lots of positive vibes and good thoughts!  Here is to never having another Day 1 again!!

[maryfreecig]

Quitting is weird for the mind so having anchors to reality is fantastic! Each one of those things on your list can be a powerful anchor. Because you started your blog with "I picked today as a many other day1s" I'd like to encourage you to think about smobriety. Addiction to nicotine is a serious headtrip--getting out of patterns of thinking and believing is so important. Here at Ex and in the community, we encourage one another to face whatever it is that we use as a reason to fail--really to move forward into smobriety. Just a thought. Another belief in this community is--take what you need, leave the rest. Welcome to Ex.

[Metroguy]

@alhyland Just wanted to be a voice of support for you as you begin your journey. You will get lots of advice here, so I won't be adding to that. I will simply say that I am glad to be walking with you and so many others here on this new path. So glad you are here! 😀

[RikkiJean]

Congrats on the first day of your journey! Stay close to this site, and post as much as you need, especially when things get hard!  You are never alone.  I would not be so far along in my journey without this amazing support network.  I and everyone else here believes in you! 

xoxo

rikki

44 DOF

[JDMullin616]

@alhyland Good for you- Day 1. We have all had many day ones. Your reasons are solid and writing about those here with the support is very helpful. I smoked for 50 years and finally did it. Keep thinking positive thoughts. You can do this! Joanne

[green1611]

Good decision @alhyland , and many good reasons to quit, you mentioned.

Read Allan Carr if not already done. Wishing you best success !