On my way to a smoke-free lifestyle

**sjohnson3278** · 10-21-2011, 10:36 AM

Well, this morning I smoked my last cigarette and put on my nicotine patch. I am excited to be free of the nicotine but a little scared of what's ahead without it also. I find it shameful that I am such a slave to cigarettes and that I have let it control my life, in more ways than one. Here is hoping that my attempt is successful!

On a side note, are there any tips that anyone can give me to help this be successful???

Thanks so much!

**Russ** · 10-21-2011, 10:47 AM

I'm a reformed smoker from 22 years ago. It's gonna be hard, but you can do it.

Stay busy Stay busy Stay busy Stay busy Stay busy

If you keep your mind and hands occupied it will help you to forget smoking. What helped me was Jolly Ranchers and I always had a bag of them with me.

Congratulations on taking your first step to better health!

**low-1** · 10-21-2011, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by sjohnson3278

Well, this morning I smoked my last cigarette and put on my nicotine patch. I am excited to be free of the nicotine but a little scared of what's ahead without it also. I find it shameful that I am such a slave to cigarettes and that I have let it control my life, in more ways than one. Here is hoping that my attempt is successful!

On a side note, are there any tips that anyone can give me to help this be successful???

Thanks so much!

Don't be afraid to fail, but definitely don't give up. It'll likely be rough, warn the people in your life ahead of time, and apologize in advance for being short tempered. Ask them for patience, and most of all support.

Best of luck!

**Russ** · 10-21-2011, 10:48 AM

oh, and stay busy!

Did I mention that?

**pinetree** · 10-21-2011, 11:14 AM

Keep jolly ranchers handy, or another hard candy you can grab. Good Luck.

**wunsagin** · 10-21-2011, 11:20 AM

I joined a quit smoking message board and I sat there and read it ALL day the first week, there was so much information on there and it scared me to never light up again. Also the first couple of weeks when I felt the strong urge to have a smoke I would go for a walk and it felt really good to be able to walk and not be short of breath. You can do it!!

**brennasmom** · 10-21-2011, 12:19 PM

My DH quit about 14 years ago. He just gave himself a date and quit. Good luck. You can do it!!!

**mystypooh** · 10-21-2011, 12:29 PM

My husband quit last November and he honestly didn't have a rough time like he thought he would. Whenever he got a craving he'd pop a peppermint in his mouth and then he'd go find something to do. He said the craving was still there but that having candy helped him. We started walking and I think that helped too. Good luck to you! You can do it!!!!

**Lucas** · 10-21-2011, 12:41 PM

I would say if the patch doesn't work for you try out electronic cigarettes. They helped me quit and I have slowly lowered the nicotine level over a couple months from regular to light and now I am at the lowest ultra light. After that I will go to zero nicotine and eventually quit all together.

**Darlene** · 10-21-2011, 04:00 PM

Cold turkey, pack a day x-smoker here.

I carried a bottle of water with twist off cap and drank lots of water and twisted & untwisted that cap to keep my hands busy.
So happy for you, best give you can give to yourself and loved ones is to quit this habit that costs you in so many ways.

**Contrary Housewife** · 10-21-2011, 04:08 PM

Good luck to you. I have seen smoking kill 4 members of my family. There's still a few who haven't learned enough yet to quit. I hope you succeed and can go on to enjoy a long healthy life.

**Uniwolf** · 10-21-2011, 05:53 PM

I agree with Lucas, this is what I am doing is using an e-cig. If you need info on them please feel free to PM me, and I will gladly share my sites that I use to order from.

**pat in east texas** · 10-21-2011, 08:38 PM

What helped me 27 years ago was to throw away everything that has to do with smoking - even if it's a family heirloom! You'll think twice if you have to shop to replace any of it, and thinking twice may be what keeps you off tobacco.
Also,when you get off the patch, realize that the nicotine will be out of your body within a few days. Then any "craving" will be for something to do while you're answering the phone, getting into the car to drive somewhere, or any other triggers that you used to smoke while doing. Think of yourself as a non-smoker. Enjoy the freedom of being able to go anywhere and not "need" a cigarette. Drink water and take deep breaths.
Best of luck to you.

**frugalwarrior2** · 10-22-2011, 12:00 AM

Not ever a smoker but hugely allergic. I would like to say thank you to you and congrats in advance.
I would tally up my savings and gift myself big time. Whats a $2000. gift you always wanted?