The Stop Smoking Blog

Nicorette gum...disgusting or disgusting...

2008-07-10T07:36:00.001-07:00

I remember recently having a craving, which probably would have passed within 10 minutes but instead being in the store, grabbed some Nicorette gum.

I can honestly say it's fairly disgusting and gives no nicotine hit whatsoever.

In a nutshell, yeuch. I prefer eating chocolate actually as a good substitute!

Barcelona, city of smokers!

2008-06-04T07:28:00.001-07:00

Probably the worst city to try and stay focused on not smoking is Barcelona.

Everyone smokes and it's a mere 3 euros for 2 cigarettes.

I saw everyone smoking, even guys on mopeds with cigarette in mouth while riding.

Ridiculous! But I think the whole country smokes, including pets and small mammals.

Summer heat makes you crave cigarettes...

2008-05-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the way the smoke fills the air, but it's not helping with people smoking outside.

Since I don't drink, banning smoking indoors has probably hindered my progress of becoming a non-smoker. That is I only class myself as a non-smoker 1 year after abstaining.

With people going outside of bars to smoke, it's more of a reminder of the lucid smells of cigarette smoke. But I must be strong.

Fresh air for better relief

2008-04-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

As spring approaches, I've found that fresh air is the best way to feel your new improved lungs and remind you why you should stop smoking.

It's important to take exercise when you stop to re-focus your mind, release endorphins and also stop you eating too much as nicotine is an appetite suppresant.

Grinding my teeth...

2008-04-02T05:44:00.001-07:00

...I've found it helps. Grinding your teeth to help reduce smoking cravings.

It's not easy though with this smoking ban - everyone is out in the street smoking outside bars and pubs...the smell is...entrancing lol.

I'm still focused. But I'm still thinking about those white sticks...

Christmas was hard but I made it...

2008-01-10T05:41:00.001-08:00

Always tempting at Christmas to treat yourself to cigarette.

But noooo I was strong...then I got sick so that put me off entirely.

It's still a hard slog to stay nicotine free...not a day goes by when I don't have at least one thought about smoking....

It's fair to say I've been good (but not perfect)

2007-12-12T06:46:00.001-08:00

Albeit I've not smoked much in the way of cigarettes, I've had the odd 1 or 2.

But I am determined with this festive season to stay vigilante.

It's been some months...

2007-10-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Yup, I've been LAZY updating my blog.

Been clean, but have had the odd cigarette before a gig...a 1/2 cigarette to be precise.

It's to keep my mind off things when I'm nervous or anxious. If I get into a tense situation and I start thinking things would be so much better if I have a cigarette. So I get it over with before a gig or stressful situation. I have only done it twice, and thrown away the cigarettes afterwards.

Otherwise clean.

I have however put on 8lbs in last 2 weeks...not good.

Zero cravings

2007-07-12T06:25:00.000-07:00

I really don't have any cravings now.

Although when I walk by people smoking, it does smell good......

But my resolve is strong and it doesn't bother me. Let's see what the future brings.

Feeling stronger every day...

2007-06-22T08:35:00.001-07:00

Feeling good and strong mentally. No cravings and I'm really focused on not smoking.

Feeling fitter too from the gym and lack of cigarettes. Just got to watch my eating habits...

Grinding ma teeth

2007-06-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Yup, I'm in the long stretch now...every cigarette I smell...smells GOOD!

But I must be strong.

There is a new treatment arriving that blocks the receptor sights so you don't get any pleasure from smoking...it arrives next month...so will comment then. Supposed to give you vivid dreams however...

Breathing is soooo much better

2007-05-23T07:45:00.001-07:00

I've combined the stop smoking with cardio workouts at the gym.

It's helped greatly and I'm breathing better, sleeping better and it helps beat the cravings.

I really recommend it to help with the cravings, combined with chocolate it's a winner !!!!

Anyway, I'm still doing good and just need to stay focused now....

It's been 5 weeks....

2007-05-14T02:44:00.000-07:00

I've been on holiday for nearly a month now...although I still dream of cigarettes the cravings are mostly gone.

Being on holiday was a good distraction without the usual stress of life.

Now back to earth this is the real test with work, family and BS of modern living to deal with....and no smokes!

I made it through a week...

2007-04-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Yup, another week without smoking. Wow!

I was aided by my cold, but that's clearing up and with it the nicotine cravings are returning.

Mostly in waves.....feel OK, then feel dodgy like a buzzy in my skull, then feel OK.

Have been eating sweets in the middle of the afternoon to kill the cravings...seems to help rather than work. Green tea helping me out too, just neck one of those if I'm rattling.

I just have to stay focused.

Stopped smoking for 5 days

2007-03-29T03:36:00.000-07:00

Had a stinking cold, but a blessing in disguise - it was so bad it eased my nicotine cravings. The cough made me stop smoking temporarily - that's given me a head start to try and give up smoking.

Hopefully this blog will allow me to stay on target and quit smoking. I've only smoked for 13 years, 7 months.....

Anyway, must go and focus now on something else, all this smoking talk makes me want a cigarette!