Trying to stop smoking (again) and here are some things I’ve learned that could help you

Since the age of 14 I’ve been a smoker.

Even when I took nearly a year off from the habit (minus one or two indiscretions), I was still a smoker – just a smoker choosing not to smoke.

I have tried several times over the years, mostly in the past 15 since my son was born, to stop completely. Each time has led me back to lighting up for one reason or another.

The good news is that with each time I stop, I’m able to handle the withdrawals much better than the last. And with each time I start again, it doesn’t take me as long to stop again.

Over the years I’ve tried reading non-smoking books, nicotine gum, prescription pills, and more. I tried doing the reduction technique – a couple less each day until you’re down to one, then non.

However, once I got down to a couple of cigarettes a day, I just convinced myself that in comparison to other smokers, it wasn’t that bad.

The thing that always works the best are nicotine patches since they take the edge off with micro doses as you kick the daily habit.

This time I’ve gone straight cold turkey. I have patches in the house, but have selected to use them only if really, really necessary. Although, even as I’m writing this my mind is saying “I could really go for a dart right now,” but I choose not to.

It’s been 10 days since my last cigarette, and though there have been moments of madness as the Nicotine Monster inside of me screams for a fix, I’ve been a relatively decent person.

Working from home alone is helpful too as I don’t have to deal with too much of other people’s nonsense (hehehehehe).

I’m sure my family noticed a bit of moodiness the first two or three days this time around, but judging by their happier demeanour around me since then, I’m certainly “lightening up” as the cravings dissipate.

This attempt at stopping myself from smoking may last weeks, months, or even years, but if it doesn’t stick, I won’t beat myself up over it.

Notice how I avoid using the word “quitting?” That’s by design. Quitting is a negative thing in my mind, as it is for most people with higher standards and old school ethics.

Saying I’m “stopping myself from smoking” feels more empowering and allows for me to own the choice rather than feel like society is pressuring me to do so.

One thing I’ve noticed is by giving myself the empowerment of positivity regarding my choice to not smoke, I’m feeling a lot better about the decision and the cravings go away much quicker than ever before.

I’m also not engaging in replacement habits such as emotional eating and other such unhealthy things. And I’m not trying to blame anyone else for my choice – that was a tactic I used the first couple of times I tried to stop and led to me angrily buying packs in defiance of the world around me.

One thing that helps me is completing tasks and being active (if you’re not already doing a physically laborious job to make money). Get the household chores done, working the yard, go for a walk, hike, bike, or play a sport you love – I play soccer twice a week and am at the field coaching two more times – plus I try to keep my mind and body busy and productive.

For those out there in my shoes who are attempting to stop smoking for whatever reason means the most to you – financial, emotional, physical health are my reasons – just remember to be fair to yourself and use non-smoking aids if you need them.

As well, I will never feel guilty or get down on myself if I indulge in a couple of darts now and again. Especially if I happen to be at parties or events with friends who are smoking (and drinking). I’m only human after all and I’ll just stop smoking again the next day.

If you’re like me and you’re trying to stop smoking – either for the first, seventh or twentieth time – just remember to be positive with the process and yourself. I’ll be doing the same.

And maybe, just maybe, it will stick this time around.