Work Christmas Party

[after31years]

Most stressful night of the year for a socially awkward, nearly 3 weeks in non smoker. Absolutely dreading tonight.....it's the night of the year that I would normally smoke the most! Aaarrrrrggggghhhh

[LilyMay73 LONG TERM WINNER]

Well done on nearly three weeks of not smoking that's a fabulous achievement! I totally understand where you are coming from with being socially awkward, I'm exactly the same and still after 19 months find it a little more difficult when I'm out of my comfort zone. I managed it by doing things in small bursts (and looking like I had a bit of a bladder issue by nipping to the toilet a lot). Try taking lots of deep breaths to keep calm and probably not drinking too much as that will weaken your resolve.

I gave up 20 days before my 40th birthday and it really took some will power not to give in however I'm sure the guru's on here will be able to help you to keep strong and they will have some fabulous tips too.

Good luck and enjoy your evening

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Hopefully the weather will put folk off going outside for a smoke. Just take it a step at a time.

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

5 tips to avoid a smoking relapse

five tips for avoiding a relapse

Most people who quit smoking at some point think that they would return to the habit. It’s quite common for people trying to quit smoking to think of relapsing anytime shortly after ‘that last cigarette.’ For keeping out the desire to start up smoking again you need to shift your focus from the relapse to the benefits of quitting successfully. Here are few tips that can help you keep the temptation to smoke at bay.

Tip#1: The art of distraction

Try to keep off the thought of smoking by imagining how clean and healthy your lungs are after you have stopped smoking. Take a deep breath and feel what it is like to breathe smoke-free air. Think how much clearer your lungs can be if you abstain from smoking for longer.

Tip#2: Question yourself

When you feel the urge to smoke, ask yourself what benefit will you get from smoking again? Give yourself an honest answer. Weigh the benefits of smoking cessation with the cons of having a smoking relapse.

Tip#3: Remember the reason for your quit decision

Whenever cravings strike, remind yourself of the reason that made you quit smoking in the first place. Think how good you felt after one week of smoking cessation. Celebrate staying smoke-free by making good use of your new-found health.

Tip#4: Get support

Best way to prevent a relapse is to be surrounded with people who support your decision to quit smoking. Avoid spending long hours with smokers, as it may increase your temptation to smoke.

Tip#5: Be patient

Don’t allow your craving to smoke again overpower your decision to stay quit. Relax yourself and don’t lose patience. Keep pushing yourself to maintain your non-smoker status.

To be honest, quitting is never easy. So, being desperate won’t helpl you stay quit. Take it easy and think of any relapse as an opportunity to learn.

[mortimersma 4 MONTH WINNER]

It sure is - same night that I'm facing tomorrow night, but I'm practicing the 'no thanks I don't smoke line'.

I too am quite shy at parties, but have found quite a few of the non-smoking crowd, that I don't usually hang out with, have been incredibly supportive. I'm also finding out loads more about them Good luck, have fun and maybe treat yourself to something marvelous with money you haven't spent on smokes

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky in reply to mortimersma]

Well done morti, you keep practising that line and enjoy yourself tomorrow night x

[Briarwood Administrator Ducky]

Hiya after, you have done such a brilliant job on your quit and stayed strong even though your hubby's still smoking, so well done to you

I always remind myself that people who don't smoke can enjoy these occasions and YOU are now a non smoker and Lily's trick of popping off to the loo sounds like a good one

Bring your inhaler and patch with you for backup and hold your head high coz we are so proud of you

You can do this coz you are a non smoker now

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[glolin LONG TERM WINNER]

You have got through the first few weeks as a non smoker which is a massive effort You have been given some great advice already. Part of my job is to deliver training to staff and deliver reports to the board. Public speaking has never been a strength of mine and what i do to help me out on the day is to actually visualise the situation. I have used this technique for a couple of events that I have had to attend where there were going to be many colleagues that would go out for a smoke. Sounds rather lame, but it sure has helped me

[mortimersma 4 MONTH WINNER]

How did you get on? I managed not to have a single craving for a cigarette - must've been a mix of the cold and bubbles!

[mdelsan2]

My friend chew lots of gum...And just focus on how happy you will feel in the long run and what bad things could happen if you continued to smoke...when i got the word of borderline pulmonary issues boy....I wuit and will never go back..You dont want to be on oxygen and have your kids watch you deteriorate gl to you...mary

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to mdelsan2]

Hi ya Mary, its lovely to see you again

Am just wanderingggggggg, if you could please let me know your quit date so that I can keep upto date with your Winners badges

Thank you x

[mdelsan2 in reply to monky]

My quit day was Around the first week of August around the 7th...ty your so sweet...mary

[monky Administrator Cake sniffer outer in reply to mdelsan2]

Thank you Mary

All updated and sorted now x

[pixelcravings 10 MONTH WINNER]

Welll at least you won't feel like a junkie when you are out. Forget about the night if yu can and do other stuff. I tried getting drunk without smoking the first 2 days of non smoking.. It was actually prettty sweet! I think you will have a great time!

If someone that knows you quit offers you a smoke, ask then what the f*ck they are doing. lol