Kickin’ my Habit: The Smokers Diary Week 7

December 10, 2008 11:00 am     Posted in Body  Kelly - UMass g+ page

quit-smoking.jpgI have come to the conclusion that I will never actually stop smoking if I continue to let myself smoke at all, even if it’s just when I am drinking. For example, I went out to a Japanese Steakhouse on Friday night and had myself a lovely eight cigarettes, but justified it because I had a drink in my hand. Then, I rationed that it was acceptable to smoke an entire pack (yeah, you heard me) between Saturday and Sunday because I was out being social with people, having a drink here or there.


By Kelly

When I woke up Sunday morning hacking a lung, I realized that I had two decisions: A) Give up on my quest to quit smoking, succumb to my urges, and light up whenever I feel like it, or B) Make a serious decision about my health and realize that if I continue down this road I could have cancer in 20 years.

So, I chose the latter and have decided to go cold turkey. No packs. No one here, one there. No drags. I’m not going to kick this thing if I continue to allow myself to cheat.

It’s Wednesday and I have successfully gone without smoking a cigarette for three whole days. My running feels better and so does my overall body. While the cravings are still strong, my will to want to be rid of this habit has (for now) remained stronger. I just hope that next weekend, when I’m out having drinks at my company’s holiday party or out on the town with my boyfriend and friends, I don’t feel compelled to sneak outside and steal a drag.

Think cold turkey was a good move CC-ers? Give me some strength to get through the very trying days (big holiday dinners with lots of annoying family members) ahead. I can use all the help I can get.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.nmhypnosis.com)

8 Comments on "Kickin’ my Habit: The Smokers Diary Week 7"

  1. rach says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 20086:52 am 

    you can definitely do this. it sounds like you really want to quit and if you just know that and think about that every time you want to light up you can move past it. best of luck to you!

  2. anon says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 20087:42 am 

    Good job!!!

    One suggestion-If you haven't already, tell your friends or co-workers about your decision to quit. Telling other people helps make it happen because it keeps you accountable, and if you ask for help maybe they'll notice if you sneak away.

    Also take a good look at some of those pictures of decaying lungs and neck holes before you go out :p

    Also, three days is a big deal-I've heard that it's hardest in the beginning so awesome job!

  3. Non Smoker says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 20087:44 am 

    As a person who has never smoked, Just one question. What was it that made you start in the first place??

  4. Kelly M. - UMass says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 20087:58 am 

    I tried smoking, cloves at first actually, because I thought it was cool. HOnestly, like how they do it in the movies. Me and my friend, just thought we were cool. And now, I have a really bad habit that is so NOT cool.

  5. ITS ME says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 20089:08 am 

    Tell your boyfriend not to kiss you if you have had a cigarette. Kissing a smoker is like licking an ashtray. Might provide some much needed motivation!

  6. rachel says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 200810:55 am 

    You most likely will "feel compelled to sneak outside and steal a drag." There's no hoping about it. But stick to your decision and remember what you REALLY want.

    Addiction is powerful, but will can be yet more potent.

  7. Lori says:
    Wed, 10th Dec 20087:38 pm 

    You should look at this website:
    http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/afterquitting/a/a…

    when you quit smoking, your body begins healing in minutes.

    At 20 minutes after quitting:

    Blood pressure decreases

    Pulse rate drops

    Body temperature of hands and feet increases.

    At 8 hours:

    Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal

    Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

    At 24 hours:

    Chance of a heart attack decreases

    At 48 hours:

    nerve endings begin regrowth

    ability to smell and taste improves

    Between 2 weeks and 3 months:

    Circulation improves

    Walking becomes easier

    Lung function increases

    The worst of nicotine withdrawal symptoms subside within the first month.

    Between 1 to 9 months smoke-free:

    Starting as early as a month after you quit smoking, and continuing for the next several months, you may notice significant improvements in these areas:

    coughing

    sinus congestion

    fatigue

    shortness of breath

    & it just keeps getting better =]

    keep it up!

  8. Bex says:
    Mon, 15th Dec 20086:48 pm 

    There is an article in the most recent Teen Vogue about smoking, and quitting. Also, the letter from the editor mentions it too! I've been planning on quitting for a couple days and after reading that and this, I think I can actually do it this time! Check out that issue, it might help!

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