How I did it: Just made up my mind again, realized I was mainly doing it more as a social thing, and as an excuse to cope with my unresolved anxiety... set up a date (New Year's) and did it again!

Lessons & tips:

• It's not as hard for the occassional, social smoker like me as it is for the hard core, half a pack a day one.
  
• Still if you are a heavyn smoker (I once was one too), you can start by tapering down how much you smoke until you come to a complete stop; but do it gradually.
  
• Thinking of how much better you will feel, smell, look after you quit will keep you motivated during those craving spells.
  
• Drink plenty of water, hidrate your body inside and out. Especially during the frst few days drinking ice cold water helps coping with the tempation to go light up again.
  
• Get rid of all the lighters, matches, ashtrays, and everything else that might remind you of smoking (our of sight - out of mind)
  
• Avoid social situations in which you might feel tempted to "just have one cigarette" until you are set in your intentions to remain nicotine free for life.
  
• Chew sugar free gum.

Resources:

• Read about it online, educate yourself as much as possible as to what to expect when you first quit.
  
• Do it "just for today"
  
• Enjoy your new, healthier life!

Feb 06, 2010, 08:42PM PST | 0 comments | 3 cheers