Ready to stop, how to set a date and best methods of support?

[Ashtonpat]

Hi guys, I am new to this site, I am Ashton and I am hoping to quit smoking soon! I was just wondering what is the best approach when choosing your quit date? Also what did people find we're the best methods in order to help them stop? I am anxious about how it will go, I have never tried to stop before and have not had to go a long period of time without one before either. It's something I know I really want to do now and I am ready to start the process. I know that coming on sites like these to chat to people that are going through the same thing will help me a lot too. Thank you

[sue52 3 YEAR WINNER]

Hi Ashton, I;m Sue, Welcome to this wonderful site, well done for taking the first step on your quit journey

This is a blog that Emjay, one of our Advisors, posted on choosing a quit date, I hope this helps you

Quite often, when somebody decides that they would like to give up smoking, they jump straight in at the deep end without giving much thought, if any - to what part of smoking they feel they will actually miss when quitting. It is quite useful to try and understand what it is that you think you enjoy about smoking, both physically and mentally. Here is a simple thought provoking exercise to try before your quit date;

1. Don't worry about stopping smoking but become really aware of each cigarette or roll up that you smoke and the whole process of smoking each individual one. What do you believe you really enjoy about it? Is it the making the roll up, getting the cigarette out of the packet, puffing the cigarette in or blowing it out?

2. Next, again without trying to stop, try and go for as long as you can without smoking. However when you feel that the craving is too much, really think about what it is that you are feeling... Does it feel physical? Is it in your tummy? In your chest? Does your mouth water? Does it feel more in your mind? Like you can't concentrate? Feeling a bit tense? Upset?

3. When you feel that you can't take anymore of this awful feeling, go and get your cigarettes.

4. Notice at which point does any part of this action take that awful feeling away. You may feel better once you pick up your cigarette packet... without even having to light your cigarette. The feeling may go when you take the first puff in, maybe when you blow it out. The feeling may not even go until you have finished smoking and put your cigarette out.

Only you are able to recognise and answer any of the above for yourself then you can work on the next step of moving towards your quit date.

The key to successfully stop smoking and staying stopped, is all in the thinking, planning and preparing beforehand.

You really can do this

There is lots of support out there, some offer group support, others one on one, your local Pharmacy should offer some as well, you can message Emjay your postcode and she will get back to you with what's available in your area. Also come on here, you can ask any question , and join in the daily chat when you can, you'll get lots of help support and a laugh along the way

Are you planning on using any NRT,like patches or lozenges e.g.

I know there is a lot to think about and it can seem daunting at first but we will help you through this, and Emjay and Jarvo are brilliant and will give you lots of advice

Please keep posting on here, ask any question, everyone on here is right behind you, you can do this, the others will be on soon with more help for you

[Hidden in reply to sue52]

This sounds like amazing advice,am planning to stop on Monday

[andi22]

Hi Ashton and welcome to our community. You've come to the right place if you want to be successful with your quit - I'm sure I wouldn't have managed it without everybody's help and support on here.

I'd set a date a few weeks ahead cos I had supplies to use up but when I found this site I brought my date forward. I had been smoking for well over 40 years and decided to go cold turkey as I knew that if I was successful then that would be that! There are all sorts of aids out there to help you and most people seem to find a combination helps them.

Whatever and whenever you decide I wish you luck and look forward to seeing you join in the chat and share your experiences with everybody whether good or bad.

Andi

[Ashtonpat 2 YEAR WINNER]

Thank you for replying that was a really helpful read Sue! I have been thinking about it for a while now and decided I would try in the new year, I am going to use a stop smoking aid to begin with, I have ordered a supply of the nicorette invisipatches to help me get started! I am quite anxious about how I will feel, last year I went to turkey on holiday and on my return home there was no smoking areas in the airport (strange as you can smoke virtually anywhere in turkey itself and there was a smoking area in the UK airport!) I then had to endure a four hour flight home plus a two hour wait in the airport and I became extremely anxious and very very snappy with no patience! But I really do want to stop now. Thanks andi for your advice and well done on quitting after 40 years! I think that coming on here will really help me

[Ashtonpat 2 YEAR WINNER]

** I forgot about the Turkey incident when writing my original post

[sue52 3 YEAR WINNER]

Hi Ashton, here is another blog Emjay wrote to help with anxiety, I hope it helps you

Cravings lead to irritation and sometimes panic, causing the quitter’s mind to speed up. When this occurs, concentrating becomes hard. Using a deep breathing exercise is an effective way of calming yourself down.

This exercise can be done anywhere from sitting down in a chair to waiting for a bus. Follow the simple stages described below;

With your mouth closed and shoulders relaxed, inhale deeply and slowly to the count of eight.

As you breathe in, push your stomach out.

Hold your breath for the count of four.

Breathe out slowly to the count of eight.

Repeat the cycle five times

DO NOT OVER DO IT – STOP IF YOU FEEL DIZZY

You will get there, your stronger than you think Just keep letting us know how your doing

[Fraz73]

Hi Ashton and welcome to the community. I'm a newbie too and have found this place a real inspiration. I've been smoke free for 7 days now and dropping by here and getting such great support and advice has been a real help.

By the way I went to Turkey this summer and smoked myself stupid. And like you I got landed with a return airport with no smoking anywhere (it wasn't Dalaman by any chance was it?) plus a 4 hour delay on my return flight. That wasn't pretty at all!!!

[Ashtonpat 2 YEAR WINNER]

Hi everyone just a quick update I stopped smoking today after reading Allen carrs book called the easy way to stop smoking, so far so good, I hope i continue to do this well I do feel a little anxious. Yes fraz it was dalaman! Thanks everyone for your advice.

[EmJay Partner]

Hey Ashtonpat, I'll pop your name up on our Wall of Winners. Keep us posted on how you are doing. I know that Wonder really recommends this book and says that its worth referring to during the early days of your quit attempt.

Keep up the good efforts and you know where we are if you need us