My Experience Giving Up Smoking

It was a funny thing about smoking: even though I knew that it was hurting me, I still never really wanted to give cigarettes up. Until I had to, that is.

My history with smoking

As a child, I was in the hospital with pneumonia twice before I was five years old. My mother would sit on the side of the bed, talking on the phone to the doctor while she was smoking a cigarette.

I was resting in her bedroom, and no windows were open because she was afraid I would catch a chill. At about 14,  I started smoking, and 45 years later, I was still sucking on those cigarettes.

Methods to stop smoking

Make sure you are stocked up on patches, gums, lozenges, and inhalers to set yourself up for success. Search for lung foundations, government support, and resources that can help you with the cost of these supplies.

While these items are costly, remember how much money you save daily on cigarettes and for the rest of your life. Then think of how much more life you are gaining.

Getting used to being smoke-free

For the most part, nicotine leaves your system in five days. It's not the nicotine that gives cigarettes their strength or makes them such a significant problem.

It is how your brain perceives non-smoking. We have to get our thoughts in order and go after what we want to happen.

Since your brain is a memory organ and not a thinking organ, we must solidify that we are not losing something but gaining a new lifestyle. Change your thoughts from sad to happy by watching TED Talks and listening to motivational speeches.

Concentrate on the positive. Understanding what is happening to your body will help ease your withdrawal symptoms.

Develop fidget activities

There is an entirely new world of toys that are meant for adults and developed to help keep your hands busy. A bonus is it promotes Mindfulness by giving you focus. 

I first learned about fidget activities when the kids were going back to school after the pandemic was ‘over.’ New rules said that they could keep their fidget spinners with them.

I borrowed one from my grandson to use when I became extremely short of breath. Easy to fit in your pocket and take with you for times of desperation.

Turn saving money into a visual

If you're motivated by money and a visual learner, this is a tried-and-true reminder of how much money you're saving by not smoking. Every day, add the amount to the jar you would have spent on cigarettes.

You will find that some days the money is hard to find. Where will you spend the money, how are you going to enjoy it? If visualization works for you, this is the method to try.

Everyone in our community has your back! Congratulations on your impending success.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.