Day 49... almost at 50 days now. Aim now is to get to 2 months. I feel I've turned a corner because the cravings and urges are nothing like they were before. I still get some but nothing a quick squirt of the spray cant resolve. I'm eating much better, finishing meals and my sense of smell has really improved. Sleeping better too. I'm still on the strong patches and will continue those for another while yet... I've a week off work between Christmas and New Years so might see then if I can go a day without the patch. If I'm in bad form I can slap one back on; but I think I'll be ok.
All the Christmas shopping done and still money in the bank; thanks to not spending it on smokes. I feel great... I like looking in the mirror now cos I'm not grey in the face any longer. Onwards and upwards. We can do it. :)
Be gentle With Yourself!
There is a quiet kind of strength that grows when you learn to be gentle with yourself. It isn't weakness, and it isn't avoidance, it's understanding that healing requires softness, not self-punishment. When you're breaking old habits or learning new ways of living, your mind and body are doing a tremendous amount of work beneath the surface . Being gentle means giving yourself room to breathe, room to try, and room to begin again without shame. It means remembering that you are human, not a machine, and that growth is allowed to be imperfect.
When you slip, struggle, or slow down, being gentle with yourself helps you keep moving instead of giving up. Harsh self-talk freezes progress, but compassion creates momentum. When you say, "It's okay, I'm learning," you open the door to resilience. When you say, "I can try again," you reclaim your power. Gentleness doesn't erase responsibility, it simply removes the unnecessary cruelty. It gives you the emotional safety needed to face challenges with courage rather than fear.
Being gentle also means recognizing your effort, even on days that don't go as planned. Celebrate the moments where you resisted a craving, chose rest instead of self-blame, or simply made it through a difficult morning. These small victories are the foundation of long-term change. You don't need perfection to succeed; you need consistency, patience, and a willingness to treat yourself with the same kindness you'd extend to someone else in your shoes.
And most importantly, being gentle with yourself allows your inner world to heal. It lets your mind settle, your confidence rebuild, and your hope return. When you nurture yourself instead of criticizing yourself, you create a life that feels safer, calmer, and more sustainable. So as you continue your journey, in quitting, in healing, in growing; let gentleness be your companion. It will steady your steps soften your fears, and help you rise again and again, with a heart that stays open rather than wounded.
Facts Some People Don’t Know About What Happens When You Quit Smoking
Most of us know quitting is “good for you”… but here are a few lesser-known benefits that might surprise you and keep you motivated:
Your brain chemistry starts to re balance. Nicotine hijacks your dopamine system. When you quit, your brain slowly relearns how to produce and regulate feel-good chemicals on its own.
Your circulation improves FAST. Within days, more oxygen is reaching your hands, feet, skin, and organs. Some people notice warmer fingers and toes and less tingling.
Your immune system gets stronger. Your body becomes better at fighting off colds, flu, and infections , including gum disease.
Food starts to taste amazing again. As your taste buds recover, you may notice richer flavors and a better connection to hunger and fullness cues.
Your skin starts repairing itself. More blood flow + more oxygen = a natural glow as your body begins repairing damaged cells.
You’re breaking mental chains, not just physical ones. You gain time, freedom, and control that smoking quietly stole from you.
Even your sleep can improve. Without nicotine spikes, your body can regulate its natural sleep cycle better.
If no one’s told you lately: every smoke-free hour is healing you, rebuilding you, and strengthening you. You’re not “giving something up” you’re giving yourself back.
2 months, 25 days! woo!!
Now that it is getting colder/rainy I sure do not miss having to go outside & have my hand freeze while I desperately puffed on a cigarette.
I feel like I am starting to get a new routine going that doesn't involve smoking & it is feeling "normal" to me now.
The little demon in my head saying "come on.. just have 1" is still there but that voice is softer & less convincing as each day goes by.
Over $1300 not spent & 1300 not smoked. I can feel my body thanking me.. and my wallet!
Giving a wave to our lovely community here--remember to NOPE!!
Also outside of my first post I find the mornings are the worst for as far as smoking goes. I know its going to be a struggle changing my routine around but im looking forward to not being chained to a habit I really don't enjoy anymore.
I have smoked since the age of 16. Im 50 now and not only am I the only one who smokes but I have found over the years of smoking that I weez alot and im tired of the poor eating habits that go along with my smoking!!!! So its time to kick smoking and improve my health ❤️
Goodmorning . It was a challenge this morning because I use to smoke in the morning first thing . And I loved it. So now I say to myself 1 2 3 I love not smoking in the morning . What a challenge this journey is. But I bought the ticket and I'm going all the way even though it stops I won't get off .
Goodmorning . It was a challenge this morning because I use to smoke in the morning first thing . And I loved it. So now I say to myself 1 2 3 I love not smoking in the morning . What a challenge this journey is. But I bought the ticket and I'm going all the way even though it stops I won't get off .
Hey everyone,
I’m trying to quit smoking after years of letting it creep deeper into my routine. It started as an occasional way to relax, but now I feel like it controls more of my life than I’d like to admit. Lately the health impacts and the constant urges are getting harder to ignore, and I’m tired of feeling stuck in the same cycle.
I’ve tried quitting before, but I always slipped back with the “just one won’t hurt” mindset. This time I want it to actually stick.
If you’ve been here before, what helped you push through the cravings and stay committed? Thanks for reading — any advice means a lot.
I'm in a relapse, but I've found myself smoking much less lately. I think it's because I have autism and I learned on the internet that people with autism thrive on routine and schedules. So, I've been working hard on my schedule, figuring out when to do what like what times to eat and what time to shower. I've planned out my entire day.
It's hard sticking to my schedule, but when I do I feel much better and don't seem to need to smoke as much. I'll keeping working on this and report back in awhile. Take care everyone.
Mental Health & Quitting Smoking – It’s All Connected
Quitting smoking isn’t just a physical journey, it’s a mental and emotional one too.
So many used cigarettes as a way to cope with stress, sadness, boredom, loneliness, anxiety, even celebration. When we quit, it can feel like we’ve lost our “go-to” tool for dealing with tough emotions. That’s when the real work begins: learning new, healthier ways to cope.
Some days you might feel calmer and more in control. Other days you might feel edgy, low, restless, or overwhelmed. All of that is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means your brain is healing and re-learning how to regulate itself without nicotine.
Here’s what you may learn on this journey:
• Cravings pass (even when they feel huge)
• Emotions are temporary, not permanent facts
• One hard moment does not erase my progress
• Asking for support is a strength, not a weakness
Quitting smoking is a powerful act of self-care. Every time you choose not to light up, you are choosing your mental health. You are teaching your brain that you matter, your body matters, and your future matters.
If today feels hard, breathe. Drink some water. Step outside. Use your tools. Reach out here. Just get through the next 10 minutes! Want to hear more about this topic? Join us for out December group webinar!
Got an email asking what changes I have noticed.
5 years a go injured my back and caused nerve damage to legs and have done little walking because of pain (200m).
Dr advised to walk through the pain i f possible. haven't done much for 5 years, more of a couch potato (any excuse)
So I have started walking, and although only up to a kilometer at a time, I can do it and not be gasping for air (mild COPD, still painuful legs)
Washed down the apartment, shampooed the carpets and it no longers stinks to smoke.
BUT the biggest change, my BP has gone down.
Previously running 135-145/70-90, Now consistently 117/70
My GP and Optometrists are also pleased.
Oh yeah had an spirometry test and CT scan of my lungs
After 55 years of smoking, lungs came back OK (ie no spots)
1 Month 10 days now or on Day 42. Glad I logged onto here today because I saw the Isolation thread by Arielle and it struck a chord. I was on edge yesterday from about 5pm. Tired, cranky, agitated .. and for no reason. Everything my partner said was irritating and while I managed to stay quiet inside I felt something was about to bust. I needed to smoke. But I used the spray and that got me over the hurdles. You know how when you're trying to watch a program and focus and someone keeps talking rubbish? I didn't snap or anything but I knew it was the demon voice in my head trying to get me to cave in.
I went to bed and fell asleep fast and woke up this morning a bit better. I've time off approaching soon now from work so I'm looking forward to that... and payday is this coming Friday so that's very welcome too. Christmas shopping can begin. I went to a mall on Saturday and the crowds were irritating me as well. Normally I would escape by going to smoke outside. Thats all gone now. But I know this is just temporary... another challenge along the path to complete freedom.
When Isolation Creeps In: You Don't Have to Face This Alone.
One of the most overlooked parts of quitting is isolation. When we're trying to change something so deeply rooted in our daily lives, it's easy to retreat inward, to avoid talking about cravings, to hide slip-ups, or to feels like no one around us truly understands what we're going through. Isolation often whispers lies: "You're the only one struggling," "Everyone else is doing better," "You should handle this alone." But none of that is true. Quitting is hard, and needing support is human.
Being part of a community like this breaks that cycle. Every time you post, read someone's story, or even silently relate to what someone else is going through, you're taking a step out of isolation. Connection is one of the strongest tools we have in this journey. It gives us accountability, encouragement, and the simple reminder that we're not doing this in the dark. You deserve to be supported, heard, and understood.
If today feels heavy or lonely, reach out. Share something small. Let others hold space for you. Isolation feeds addiction, but connection feeds strength. And here, you're surrounded by people walking the same road and rooting for you every step of the way.