Getting Started

[nsd_user663_26699]

This question is practical and applies to those who have thought about their quit AND have managed to sustain their quit for several days / weeks / months / years.

What is/was the most difficult: a) Building up to the quit, b) starting the quit, or c) maintaining the quit.

Why?

Alex.

[nsd_user663_26590]

The most difficult for me was accepting that I had to give up at some time. So it was sooner rather than later. My " give up day" was spontaneous after weeks of contemplating if/ how /when etc

It felt right that day.At that point in time. Can't explain it any other way.

So did not go to buy any more. Simple as that!!1

First day was tough!!! Ticked off every Qtr of an hour on my time sheet. Pathetic I know.

[nsd_user663_26590]

Have now just started week 6. Of course I have tough moments -but they are only moments. They pass. But the urge to go and have a ciggy is sooooo strong. Scary really. But thats the nature of the beast,. It is a difficult time - but only short term. I have to deal with it -then it passes.

So in answer to question, I think most difficult is making mind up to quit. And to really quit!!! not just til lunch, time then fold!! It was a psychological battle that I had for weeks/months. But I got there in the end. ( On an amazing day 36 now:))

[nsd_user663_22999]

Interesting question Alex

For me none of it has been hard - to date!

I didn't build up to giving up, it was simply something I decided to do one day. Admittedly I had been thinking about how I 'should' give up, but then I think most smokers know they 'should'! I certainly didn't plan to give up when I did.

Quit day itself was interesting, but I knew I would feel tired and a bit spaced, so I took the first 2 days off. This made them pleasant and whilst not a breeze not really difficult either. If I had to use a single word to describe the first 2 days for me it would be exciting. After Day 2 it was simply an adventure to see if I could beat the habit.

Maintaining - not been difficult so far. It's only just over 3 months for me so not exactly long-term and it could well be that I get sand-bagged any day. But so far... - fingers crosed!! I have had the odd day where I've felt miserable/cross but then in 3 months I'm going to get that anyway!

Why? I believe it's been my mind-set this time. In my head I wasn't giving up anything I was simply changing some habits.

[nsd_user663_25698]

a) Building up to the quit

b) starting the quit

c) maintaining the quit.

a) My first official day was a monday.

I think it was the tuesday or wednesday before that i decided that monday was the day. At times i wish i'd smoked my whole box on the sunday night until i was sick because when i'm having a tough time i feel cheated that i didn't use them all. I still have 15 ciggies in the box in my kitchen.

I feel as they are there 'waiting for me' so it is purely my choice as the whether to have one or not. I have been known to go and have a sniff of the box hoping to be repulsed. Turns out i like the smell. It reminds me of my dad and i find it comforting lol.

I think the build up was quite exciting in a way but to be honest i didn't tell anybody at all. I was worried incase i failed everyone would be laughing so i kept it my secret. Even for the first couple of weeks i didn't tell incase i caved. I didn't really take myself seriously though. I thought i'd give it a go but...hey....what will be will be.

b) Was a constant battle. Smoking had ruled my life in more of a way than i had ever realised so every single thing i did i had to think about it first. Smoking had become such a part of everything it was a constant mental stuggle with every move i made.

So my first few hours (let alone days) were exhusting!

c ) Maintaining is proving to be okay mostly. It is strange because you can go for weeks quite normally and then a day of pure torture. Then back to normal again. It is weird but worth it in the end i guess...:confused:

I'd say the maintaining is probably the hardest because it lasts the longest and if i screw up i have more to lose. The quit, my pride and having to go through all that hard work again.

[nsd_user663_26699]

Thank you very much Teacup, Dale and Karen!

It's very interesting to me to read about other people's experiences, and I think your responses can also be very valuable to others when they start their quit.

Keep those answers coming!

Alex.

[nsd_user663_1658]

For me personally

planning is mixed i think, it gives you a sense of pride & like Karen says its exciting but also has got fear all over it.

starting to quit..... the first week feels like a lifetime! its not the best but it the easiest of the 3 options given

Maintaining the quit! ...... for me is the toughest.... some days its easy! but the days that are not easy are the worse days ! its not so much that you need a cig anymore after say getting to a month! its just the supressed feeling of telling yourself you cant have one at certain times, memory or moment when a trigger comes. That part i find the hang up..... like a child being told they cant have a certain toy....then they want one more! ..... but everyone is different thats just me I suppose.

[nsd_user663_26699]

Thanks very much KitKat!

Alex.