My first day

[nsd_user663_58827]

Hi everyone my name is Gary and I've been toying with the idea of quitting smoking for a while now, after realising at the age of 26 that I have nearly been smoking for almost ten years. I got back from holiday yesterday so decided that today would be as good a day as any to quit. I am going to try the cold turkey method first of all.

So far I am not finding it too difficult, but then it is very early days and I am still focused - plus I know my body probably still has nicotine inside it. My original plan was to substitute my smoking habit with keeping fit and I was going to start running for the first time ever. However unfortunately I sprained my ankle on Friday so that will have to be postponed for the time being.

I was thinking of putting the money that I will be saving by not smoking aside to spend on a pair of running trainers for when my ankle recovers. Does anyone else have any good ideas for rewarding myself for reaching smoke-free milestones? And does anyone have any useful tips to help get me through the first few days and weeks? I think for me it's going to have to be a case of keeping myself as busy as possible.

[nsd_user663_56237]

Hi Gary!

Keep busy and find yourself some low fat snacks to nibble on thought the day. Drink plenty of water too, as this (somehow) helps! Exercise is a great idea, though do be careful with that ankle for now.

I rewarded myself quite frequently at first, as I felt like I was punishing myself by not smoking. Buying weekly rewards (that book I'd been after, a takeaway etc) made me realise very quickly that there were better things to be spending my money on :rolleyes: Then I saved the money for bigger things as I got further into my quit.

Most importantly, stay positive. You CAN do this, but you need to keep a positive head on your shoulders and really give yourself a pat on the back. You'll be feeling the benefits in no time

[nsd_user663_57605]

Welcome Gary!!!! Congrats on your decision to quit smoking. Cold turkey was not easy for me - but I did not crumble up and die. So - you hang in there! It can be done. During the first month I purchased a couple of small fun items that I would never have wasted money on before. I think I need to start putting away the money every day that I use to spend on cigarettes because I am really not sure where all of the money is going to now. :confused: When I reach a decent amount I will use it for a nice vacation! Keep checking in here - this website and the wonderful folks involved will help you get through the cravings.

[nsd_user663_57259]

Hi Gary and welcome! My hubby and I stopped together 11 weeks ago. We bought lots of treats in the first few weeks - a new snazzy kettle that you can adjust the temperature on, lots of meals out etc) - when you are saving that much money it's great to be able to get those little extras. My advice to you would be that no matter how hard it gets, do not ever revert back to having another cigarette - it doesn't solve anything!!!! I have numerous failed quits behind me, each time ending the same way... I'll just have one.........

We don't need that horrible drug!!! It's taken me a while to get to this realisation.

[nsd_user663_58827]

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcomes and advice. You will be pleased to know that I made it past day 1 without any real difficulties. Usually on a Monday I would buy a packet of cigarettes but instead I bought a copy of "Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking" off of eBay. I've heard mixed opinions about this book but I like to read and it was only £3 so I thought I would give it a go.

Anyway, thanks again and I will see you all in a different forum as I am already past the first day.