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finishing university and looking to take my life back by quitting smoking!! support, encouragement and tips appreciated Cancel The title field is required!

1. rachel.mccolgan

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   29 Jun 2021
   29 Jun 2021

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   Hi!! My name is Rachel and I’m 23 years old. I have been smoking since I was 16, I originally played competitive sports but after breaking my collarbone twice I went into a pretty deep depression and began to take up smoking & never really stopped.
   
   I realized I needed to quit as I didn’t realize how much I was smoking; some days I smoke up to 12 and wake up with yellow fingers or a sore throat :( I have adhd so sometimes my medication makes me feel overwhelmed and the stress of assignments make me want to smoke (my main triggers) I also was born prematurely and had asthma when was younger so smoking may just be the dumbest thing I’ve done. 
   
   most of my friends smoke and I’m in summer school + with Covid restrictions have been more anxious then ever but July 1st is my quit date! I turn 24 July 28 and have always told myself “ohh by 25 I’ll quit” I have finally decided to take things into my own hands and quit cold turkey. 
   
   I don’t think slowing down the amount will help me because I also love the  activity of smoking on my porch but am wondering if the patches help? Or any tips people have for going cold turkey and shutting those stupid nicotine receptors in my brain up? Any tips on what helped you guys with cravings or even daily encouragement and staying positive after relapsing and trying again would be appreciated! 

   
   

2. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   30 Jun 2021 in reply to rachel.mccolgan

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   Hello rachel.mccolgan - thank you so much for joining us here on Smokers Helpline online, and for sharing your journey with us!
   
   You have great insight on your triggers and reasons to quit, as well as what would work best for you. 
   Many of our community members have used quit aids, such as the past, to successfully quit. Feel free to browse the forum to find out what their experience was like. A pharmacist can also answer your questions in-store. 
   
   We often share what is called the '4Ds' when people are quitting, which stands for:
   Delay - cravings often only last about 5-10 min
   Distract - create strategies that will help you keep your mind off the cravings (walk around the block, read, knit/crochet etc)
   Deep Breathing
   Drink Water
   
   Also people find if they hold something between their fingers (straws, stir sticks, pens, pencils etc) really helps manage the hand-to-mouth motion they may be missing.
   
   Hope these tips help!
   All the best to you tomorrow - we are cheering you on
   Sarah
3. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   30 Jun 2021

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   Hi Rachel,
   
   Good for you for deciding to quit.  Quitting smoking is one of the best things you could ever do for yourself.
   
   I quit cold turkey.  I found distracting myself really helpful.  I would go for a walk, do groceries, read a book, or play a computer game.  Anything to keep myself busy. 
   
   It can also help to change your routine a bit.  So for example, instead of sitting on your porch, is there a park you could go to instead?  That would be a better alternative, because you generally don't see people smoking in parks.
   
   I know it's hard when most of your friends smoke.  A couple of my sisters still smoke and before the pandemic, we hung out together a lot.  I needed to distance myself from them for a bit because they smoke inside and the smoke from their cigarettes ended up really bothering me once I quit.
   
   Also, instead of wishing I could smoke again just like them, I reminded myself that I was making a major change in my life that was really awesome.  It takes guts and determination to quit, and if you can pull it off, you will feel a lot of pride in your accomplishment.
   
   Instead of worrying, try to get excited about your quit.  You are starting a whole new chapter of your life, Rachel.  Go for it.  I am rooting for you!
4. wandam

   

   241 posts
   Registered:
   05 Feb 2019
   01 Jul 2021 in reply to rachel.mccolgan

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   Hi rachel.mccolgan,
   
   Welcome to our little community & good for you in making the decision to quit smoking, especially at such a young age, your health benefits will be huge! I wish I could have been that insightful at your age! Hats off too you!
   
   sarah & treepeo shared some great tips with you, all of which I totally found helpful in my quit. I used the the 4D’s lots. Distraction and drinking lots of lemon water are my favourites. Also love treepeo’s words of inspiration in telling you to get excited about your quit!
   
   Quitting is hard but if you can focus on all the positives/ benefits of quitting, it really makes you think twice about relapsing/smoking. Wishing you all the best on your quit! I’m rooting for you too! Take care!
   

   Last modified on 02 Jul 2021 22:11 by wandam