My first day of not smoking and I think I'm doing okay!

[usrldd]

I had been a smoker for 26 years.

For the last five years or so, I have wanted to seriously quit but devised the usual excuses not to.

I attempted twice before but only used the gum (first quit attempt) and inhaler (second quit attempt).

I slapped a patch on when I woke up this morning and it seems to be doing the trick.

At first, it was itchy on the spot on my arm where the patch was but that went away after about an hour.

I have an upset stomach and think it's part nerves and part the patch but I haven't smoked a cig yet!

I started crying because it feels like I've lost a comforting friend but I know that's just the trick of nic.

Here's to one day/hour/minute/second at a time!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

The most important thing you can do  is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your mind and body. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. Here is a link to a free PDF version of it:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

As well, read the sections on this site, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might also want to visit quitsmokingonline.com, and whyquit.com.

The idea is to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take slow, deep breaths, go for a walk, play a computer game, do a crossword, bite into a lemon (yup, rind and all).   Here are links to lists of 100 things to do instead of smoke if you need fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

The conversation in your head CANNOT be:  "I want a cigarette.  No!  But - I WANT a cigarette.  NO!"  Instead, it needs to be "I want a cigarette.  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!

Stay close to us here and ask questions as you have them.  We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[lois2]

you hang in here you can do this, do the reading Nancy said, stay close to this site .   you are not along.

[Sootie]

You have come to the right place for suppot, encouragement and advice. You will find our community to be your best friend....and your lifeline...in the next few months. YES....MONTHS. As with most of us---20+, 30+ and even 40+ years of smoking cannot be undone in a few weeks. It is an addiciton and you will need to conquer it.

Nancy gave you some good reading tips above----may I also suggest whyquit.com. It has excellent articles on nicotine addiction. I LIVED on this site and why quit for the first few months.

One word of caution....you can use any quit aide you like.....many have and many have successfully quit. But, no gum, inhaler, patch or pill can quti for you. Your quit is your own to find and to hold.

Welcome to EX------we are all here for each other..

[OldBones-Larry]

I want to welcome you to our community. It's a great place to be. I'll make sure there is a pack of supplies at the edge of NML for you. You will need them as you  travel the trail across that vast wasteland. Just call at anytime if you need help and someone will come to help.

Larry

[joyeuxencore]

Great job on day one friend!

Keep reading about nicotine addiction, blogging and we will help you through!

Understanding  nicotine addiction:

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html  

Helpful in the first days:

http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_03_21_blood_sugar.html

http://ffn.yuku.com/topic/22890/Possible-Change-in-Caffeine-Tolerances-After-Cessation

This about that 'friend' thing...

http://whyquit.com/whyquit/joelcigfriend.html

[joyeuxencore]

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”.

[GreenThumb3]

Good job on first day keep it up first week can be challenging at times but very doable hang in there 

[karenstrength]

I hope you are doing great today.  The links and suggestions people posted here are awesome!