How I did it: I am in my third day of not smoking and I'm still a little scared but, phew, what a interesting experiment has been.
I would say that one of the huge things in the past that has held me back from smoking was the fear of quitting smoking itself...and all the withdrawal symptoms that come along with the process.
Basically, earlier this week I had to face my fears whether I wanted to or not. I came down to either buy another pack of cigarettes (which just recently increased in price again due to some sort of tax) or put gas in my car to get to work for the rest of the week.
(Sad, but true.)
My poverty aside, I am really happy with my decision. I feel better already and truly feel free from a habit that has held me back for way too long. Oh and the symptoms have not been as bad as I thought. Here's my short journal... 
Day 1 for me was more like I was forgetting to do something in my day rather than physical symptoms. I had a mild outburst of frustration at work and was really thirsty. I slept fairly well waking up only a few times during the night.

Day 2 was alright. I woke up with the right attitude and determined to push threw the day. I figured the worst of the symptoms were over from the first day. Well, I was still thirsty as hell and  had dizzy spells (due to more oxygen reaching my brain than it has been used to.) which I was able to cure with some deep breathes and some water. I was hungrier that usual too. Kettle corn was my new best friend. I was a little floaty and easily distracted but was able to find the humor in my symptoms.

Day 3 has been the easiest so far against what I though since I was off from work today. I'm used to smoking whenever I want on my days off. I walked to the Art Museum with a friend and got coffee for the first time in three days also. I felt more tired today than the past two days and allowed myself to enjoy coffee. (I had to adjust how I make it because I was making it too sweet with my muted smoker's taste buds!) I realized my fatigue was probably due to my body healing itself.

If you are thinking of smoking, think about your long term health and your savings account!!

Lessons & tips: Smile about the changes going on in your body! It will help on the mood swings.

Inform your co-worker, friends, and family so they are aware of why you are behaving strangely.

Stay strong and stay with it!!

Resources: I didn't join any support groups anything but the information helped a lot.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/68310-quit-smoking-day-two/

Jul 16, 2011, 05:16PM PDT | 0 comments | 5 cheers