Giving up smoking...

Over this weekend I have been thinking hard about packing in. Managed to cut down over the last couple of days so it's a start.

The main thing gearing me up for quitting is having more money to spend on the bike!

[tigersaw]

I gave up a 20 year habit 10 years ago by just deciding 'today is a good day to give up smoking'.

I now only smoke when I visit Amsterdam, I've managed to cut it down to 4 flights a day.

It is very simple to give up, I did so 6 years ago. Before which I smoked 20 Bensons a day. I used nothing more than will power.

1. You have got to want to, if you are just doing it because you think you should then forget it. If it is for you then you will do it no problem.
2. Set a day for you to give up - have your last one the night before and get rid of all smoking related items.
3. Be strong, the first couple of days are the worst but after a week you've cracked it.
4. Remember that smoking is more of a habit than an addiction, I used to get 20 Bensons and a lucozade every morning on my way to work. Once I gave up I continued to get the Lucozade, but a Mars bar instead. So although I still had the habit it didn't include fags - although I did put on some weight.
5. Don't expect to have life changing results immediately, if you are anything like me you will have the worst cough/colds for about 6 months to a year. You don't feel any fitter or healthier. It takes approx 6 years to get out of your system.
6. You may not put the money away, I didn't, but my overdraft dissappeared almost overnight and I worked out how much I had saved over the first year and treated myself to something I had always wanted, a porsche 944 S2. That way my effort was rewarded and it was a really guilty pleasure for me alone.

7. Don't be tempted to avoid places you associate with smoke, that will never work. Although the government have helped a bit with this. Smoking is less socially acceptable these days, shame really I used to like getting a smell of smoke in pubs.
8. Talk to people on here or wherever for support, if you need it. As you can see on here there are loads of people who are willing to help, advise or simply listen.

It is worth it in the long run, you just have to stick at it.

My eldest (7 years old) cannot remember me smoking, so its' all good. I am also about to run my first London Marathon, which I could never have done 6 years ago.

Good Luck.

Thank you all for the help and advice. I have my last deck of ten with me now so once that has gone it all begins.

Soon the winnings will be going towards a Beowulf can

Originally Posted by Witchery

Thank you all for the help and advice. I have my last deck of ten with me now so once that has gone it all begins.

Soon the winnings will be going towards a Beowulf can

Excellent Witchery! I for one will leave this in my subscribed threads, so if your having a bad day, post up how you feel and get it off your chest instead of having a fag. Sure all the folk that've posted in this thread will give what support they can.

Originally Posted by krhall

porsche 944 S2

Nice Porsche mate, (ignore anyone that says a Porsche engine has to be in the back, the 928 maybe wasn't, but that is a proper Porsche). I actually like the S2 more than the 2.5 Turbo. Is it clean inside? Got any pics? Thats a car shape that will never get old.

Right, so I had my last smoke after work yesterday and all is well. I did succumb after lunch mere moments ago and have a cheeky one but one is a hell of a lot less than my usual consumption.

I actually feel really guilty about it though.

Balls!

You're doing well - but try not to give in to the sneaky one, there is no such thing. I gave up a year ago over 20 a day for more than 20 years and have never felt better. My missus gave up at the sam etime made 6 weeks and tehn had a cheky couple - 12 months later just giving up again second time round.
TAlking helps and you've got to be strong although it gets a lot easier after a couple of weeks.

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

Nice Porsche mate, (ignore anyone that says a Porsche engine has to be in the back, the 928 maybe wasn't, but that is a proper Porsche). I actually like the S2 more than the 2.5 Turbo. Is it clean inside? Got any pics? Thats a car shape that will never get old.

Sadly I sold it on a while back, but since then have always regretted it - it was mint inside too. If I could buy it back the way I sold it I would do so tomorrow.............

As for the fags - no cheeky ones. You have to push through the temptation and after a week you'll be there.

I too will keep an eye on this thread and will be happy to help if I can!

Thanks for the support. I'll probably end up posting a load of infernal ramblings in the next few days!



Graham.