It is now over 2 months since I decided to quit smoking. I have fallen off the wagon a few times, although interestingly it is not after meals or when socialising in a smoky bar, the times when you would expect but rather it has been late at night when I am on my own and feeling bored. With this in mind I try and keep myself busy to take my mind off any cravings. If I have slipped up then the very next day I wipe the slate clean and resolve not to feel guilty so that I can continue towards my goal with no extra baggage.
When attempting to quit I have found that it is useful to adopt the same frame of mind needed when dieting. I try not to view the giving up attempt as denying myself cigarettes because human nature dictates that the more you feel that something is denied to you the more you want it.
I am also finding life more pleasurable. I have always enjoyed a glass or two of red wine but when I first gave up smoking, my familiar tipple tasted so different that I thought something was wrong with me. After much reflection I realised that this was just how "normal" people taste food - I now have a totally different taste experience.
I am endorsing the benefits of giving up smoking using the piCO+™ Smokerlyzer® to everyone I know. My friends are very interested to see what the monitor shows about their dependence to cigarettes and I am keen to observe their reactions. I am hoping to monitor them over the next month and will let you know my findings.
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