Preamble
So as you've already read, two years ago I started working out at the gym. The results have been wonderful. I feel more energetic, less stressed and I've lost 6" on my waist. Now comes the hard part; I need to quit smoking.
When I first started working out, I was certain that it would also lead to me quitting smoking. But without any concerted effort on my part, that never really happened. What really happened is that my body and lungs adjusted to the exercise and smoking. This made me a physically fit person who smoked. Whoa! Somewhat an oxymoron?? Ya think???
So now, this year I randomly decided I will quit smoking. My actual quit date? My birthday, June 7.
The PLAN
My "plan" is this; cut back one cigarette per day each week, until eventually I am no longer smoking. I started last week, with 15 cigarettes per day. I set my Blackberry to remind me to have one every hour, starting at 7am and ending at 10am each day. I came upon the number 15 because it was basically the average number of cigarettes I was smoking on any given day.
If anyone has any other suggestions, helpful tips, tricks or ideas for me on this new quest, please feel free to post.
don't sweat the small stuff
Week One
Last week was week one of my quit smoking plan and it went fairly well. My biggest complaint was that I found it very inconvenient to stop what I was doing every hour to have a smoke. I know, you're thinking; gee what a wimp!!
During the week, I realized how silly it was to just get up and put on my coat and shoes, grab a cigarette and lighter and go outside. I mean, its really not normal behaviour?? How many other things in our daily lives cause us to just stop suddenly what we are doing???
What a bizarre habit!!
Week Two
Week two complete. The first day or two was the toughest, reducing my cigarette allowance from 15 to 14 per day. I had a couple busy days through the weekend and fell short of my allowance, smoking only 10 cigarettes on Friday and 12 on Saturday. I've now started week three and realize that it won't be long and I will be smoke free. I'm really looking forward to that day!!
Week Three
Week three was a bit rough. I really have no explanation for this. There were a couple days where I ended up going above my alloted cigarette rations. I felt terrible. But I re-read some of the emails I've been getting from the Smokers Helpline and they helped to get me back on track. The key is not to beat yourself up because you had a "blip" or two. Overall, the week went okay. Going to the gym frequently is helping alot. The rest of the day I try to do things to keep my mind and hands occupied, like blogging and playing games on my cellphone, when I feel an urge to have an extra cigarette. Next week I'll be rationed down to 11 cigs per day. Progress, even though its slow progress, its still progress.
I Quit Smoking Yesterday
