smoking

ShayonaH

best way to quit? i hate working out and being so out of breath.

allisonmere

I haven't quit completely yet, but I have definitely cut back cold-turkey. Which sounds weird, but I've gone from a pack a day to maybe one cigarette a day, or one every other day, or just two on the weekends. Here's what has helped me:

I just told myself I was done taking cigarette breaks. When I'd feel like it was time, I'd just say "no, it isn't."

I found other things to distract myself in those times. I took tea breaks, or fruit snack breaks, or knitting breaks, or I'll do yoga stretches instead of going out and sitting on my butt with a smoke.

I appeal to my vanity: my breath is so much better when I don't smoke and I no longer have dark rings under my eyes!

It really will help you work out better to cut back. Your heart won't feel like it is about to explode and your lungs won't die.

I enjoy cigarettes now the way I enjoy really really over-indulgent dessert: on special occasions. And that is good enoughf or me for now. i plan to quit for good with my first pregnancy.

Sometimes the finality of quitting completely (when you actually really like smoking) is daunting. So take it one step at a time. And ultimately the best way to cut back? just don't buy anymore packs. that 6 bucks can go into your wedding, instead of into your lungs.

Hope that helps a little!

SirJuliusVonHaast

Also, if you talk to your doctor, I think there are some new drugs out there that make it even easier to quit. 

christa62105

My suggestion (not that I'm an expert) would be to replace the negative behavior (e.g. smoking) with an appropriate positive one that makes you feel good as well. When I quit I used sugar free suckers, it helped to be doing something with my hands. Also, I'm not a fan of people quitting cold turkey, I've actually read that it may be detrimental to your body to shock it like that. But, I don't remember the source, so it may be bad info.  I really like what aliisionmere suggested...when you feel that you need to smoke a cigarette, take a different type of break. Eat a piece of fruit, do some jumping jacks, etc. whatever you find enjoyable.
Hope that helps a little, good luck and congrats on your decision to quit!

pinkcamo66

I just recently quit...FI and I both...I was a smoker for over 20 years...one of the hardest things Ive had to do.  So im also an overweight person who is extremely paranoid of gaining weight from quitting.  I got the Chantix medicine from my doctor...kinda expensive, but the drug companies have programs and they will alot of times allow you to get it for free. ( Have to talk to your Dr.)  Anyway, I exercise at the gym now and it has improved my breathing alot.  When I get an urge I chew sugar free gum.  Stay away from candy unless its sugar free cuz believe it or not, it will pack on the pounds too.  I was a menthol smoker so not only nicotine addicted but methol addiction i had to break too. Ive been smoke free for almost 3 weeks and according to my doctor it only takes 21 days for the nicotine to be outta your system.  So hang in there!

OuachitaTrixie

E-CIGARETTES!  That's what I did and it was so easy it was like it happened naturally.  I just "lost the taste" for it.  Only took a few weeks too! 

I've ready that women to do cardio for 45 min 3X a week are more likely to quit and stay off.

bg2012

I am in the quitting process now- although I slipped  today and had a cigarette. I had the flu a few weeks ago and had to stop smoking then, and it was good motivation. I haven't bought a pack since then, and have stepped up my exercise routine. As PPs have said, I've been adding fruit breaks instead of smoke breaks, and asking a few select people to keep me acocuntable. Today's slip-up aside, I'm hoping the quitting sticks this time!

Brycedance

I quit (for good) about a year ago with many on and off tries before that.  A friend of mine recommended I read a book called "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" - I actually found it very helpful.  Get support and find what works for you.  I know friends of mine have had success with Nicorette gum as well.  Good luck.  It's a wonderful decision and you won't regret it.  Believe me, I was smoking about 1-2 packs a day and I can't even describe how much better I feel without it.  Make a quit date and stick to it.  You can do it and it will get easier!

wawasees

I'm trying to quit too.  My insurance company sent me 6 boxes of nicotine patches for free, good deal huh!  Ask your insurance company if they have any quit smoking incentives!

I'm thinking about those e-cigarettes to help me with cravings as well, but kinda expensive.

also, put hard candies, cinnamon sticks, silly puddy, stress ball, flavored toothpicks, mouthwash, and anything else to distract you nearby.  if you smoke in the car, clean it out and use white vinegar and water on the dashboard to absorb the smell, put some yummy smelling air fresheners in there too.

danibride2012

omg...its so hard to quit.  A friend of mine swears by e-cigarettes - but i haven't tried them yet... i think i will though.