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1. lesleyaf

   

   37 posts
   Registered:
   23 Nov 2020
   24 Nov 2020

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   Hello all - today is day 2 of my quit plan.  Yesterday was beyond difficult.  I quit about 3 years ago and don't remember it being this hard.
   
   Any tips from the community would be appreciated!
   
   Thanks,
   Lesley
2. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   24 Nov 2020

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   Hi Lesley,
   
   When I quit, what helped me the most was trying to keep myself busy and distracted.  For example, normally I would do groceries once a week, but when I quit smoking, I would purposely only get a few items when I went to the store.  That way, I would be forced to go several days in a row.  So instead of sitting around smoking, I would actually go out and do something productive.  That changed my smoking routine.  I also slept a lot, because you don't crave when you sleep.  Also, make sure you drink lots of water to flush the toxins out of your body.
   
   I can relate to you when you said you didn't remember quitting being so hard.  I felt the same way.  But don't let that stop you.  Every moment you spend not smoking makes you more invested in your quit.
   
   If you haven't done so already, make a list of all the reasons why you want to quit, and read it often.  And read up on the health benefits of quitting.  A little positive reinforcement and only help.  And hang in there.  You can do this.  Believe in yourself.
3. lesleyaf

   

   37 posts
   Registered:
   23 Nov 2020
   25 Nov 2020 in reply to treepeo1

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   Thank you, Treepeo1,
   Your words of wisdom and advice mean a lot!
   How long have you been smoke free? I see a lot of members who still come back to this forum even after being smoke free for years which is great!
   Thanks again,
   Lesley
   
   
4. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   25 Nov 2020

   Link to this post

   Hi Lesley,
   
   At the end of December I will have been a non-smoker for 4 years.  I can hardly believe it.  Time really does fly.
   
   I think there are two main reasons why those of us who have quit keep coming back to this site.  One reason is that we can never let ourselves become complacent.  This addiction has deep roots, and every once it a while, it will sneak back up on you in some way.  You have to be prepared for that.  The second reason is that we are all grateful to the people on this site for helping us to quit, and we want to help others do the same.  I know how hard it is to quit.  I also know that it IS possible to break the habit.
   
   I had tried to quit numerous times in the past.  Each time I would give in when the cravings got too strong.  But I thought of all the people I know who managed to quit, and I realized that they were no different from me.  It's just that they refused to give in on their final attempt and they made their quit stick.  Each time I was tempted to give in, I thought to myself, "I will never succeed if I don't change what I am doing.   I cannot give in, I have to stay strong no matter what it takes."  And that is what I did.  That first month was hell on earth, let me tell you.  But it changed the rest of my life, so I think that's a pretty fair exchange!
   
   Given the pandemic, it is more important than ever to quit.  You have done it before, and you can do it again.  Believe in yourself, Lesley.  I am rooting for you!