Day 9 smoke free.

[Christopher123]

Hi all.

I have surprised myself after 40 years of 20 cigs a day that I am now on my day 9 smoke free. It's not easy but it helps a lot to read other people experience and I can relate to a lot of them. The mental challenge is difficult especially when the little voice In my head says have a cigerette, I will feel better then I can continue with the battle. But it is true that the craving do go away, but you just never know when it will pop up again. This site has been invaluable to me. So pleased I found it.

[mushen Valued Contributor]

Day 9 is a serious achievement so a huge 'well done' to you.

You're right, the cravings do get easier, not only the amount but the ease with which you can brush them aside. They tend to pop up when you do something for the first time when you previously smoked. I have had a cold all week and felt pretty awful. The last time I was ill like this, I smoked. No prizes for guessing what was one if the first things I thought of. I also used smoking as a 'reward'. So feeling pretty rubbish, my mind thought, 'I should treat myself with a fag'. I didn't but I actually really wanted to smoke.

Keep going strong. ☺

[Christopher123 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to mushen]

O my goodness that is so where I am at at the moment, I have had a heavy cold for nearly a week. Really blocked nose and sore throat but the taste in my mouth to have a cigerette is still there. I also used to reward myself to get motivated. I would tell myself when I have done that chore I would have a nice cup of tea and cigerette. Thank you for sharing that post with me.

[mushen Valued Contributor in reply to Christopher123]

Ah, I feel your pain!! Lol.

[Hidden]

hi Christopher123

great possitive post.😁

just always on guard 😁

you gotta break routine.that was a hard part for me.even now I sometimes think I can have a fag while waiting for washer (eg)

always on guard.😁

take care 😊

keep kicking 😎

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Well done on Day 9 Christopher123 that is great - you are at a critical stage of your quit and need all your strength now in the mental battle, but good news, for every curve ball overcome, the next one will become easier.

Yes, you have a lot of routine cravings to battle through that you would have smoked or associated with smoking, examples of my ones were seasons changes - summer was tough, sitting out on hot summer evening with a beer and chain smoking was a biggie for me and just don't do it anymore, instead be active in the garden, planting, painting etc... first lawn cut - smell of freshly cut grass I always associated with smoking, (enjoying the smells of nature so much more now!), celebrations, weddings, funerals, going on holidays, concerts, sad anniversaries, Christmas, over indulging on alcohol, the list is endless, but it can be a good idea to prepare for these curve balls that you know could be triggers and always keep the guard up for the unexpected, out of the blue ones