Stop Smoking Step 5

Step 5: Quit Day arrives

Your ‘Quit day’ has finally arrived and you have thrown everything away the night before. Some of you would have gone through a ‘cut down period’ and some would have also done a rapid smoking session to optimize your chances. Whatever path you chose, today is the beginning of your new life. You have done exceedingly well to reach this point and people are proud of you.

Today is also the day you start reaping the rewards; first of which is the savings you are going to make. Find a nice jar or box and label it ‘My savings jar’. Remember all that money you used to spend on cigarettes? Now instead of giving that to the shopkeeper, you are going to deposit that into your money jar and watch the money grow. Don’t even think about it… just do it.

When you have this set up, you are well on your way to creating another motivation point and redirecting your focus. Here are some other tips to get you through your first day:

Handy tips to stop the cravings

  • Carry some candy, jelly beans or gum with you. This is important because smokers have reported that this method helps stop the oral fixation for cigarettes.
  • Always carry around your free herbal gum, nicotine patche or any of the quit smoking aids that you have bought to help you out in the first few weeks.
  • Remember to carry your ‘Reasons to quit’ list to keep that motivation going. Also bring around your ‘Barriers’ list to keep you away from the things that will prevent you from succeeding. It will be the hardest day, but it does get easier.
  • Keep your appointments with your doctor, counselor or psychologist. It is definitely worth the travel to the clinics.
Final tip
  • Reward yourself! You deserve it. Set up reward goals as you reach milestones in your quit smoking plan. The first one might be at 3 days, then 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. As you hit each one of these milestones, go and take out all that money from your ’savings jar’ and treat yourself. You should have more than enough for your favourite meal at your first milestone
Some tips about weight gain
  • Most people do gain some weight when they quit, but note that weight is a reflection of how much energy you consume (eat) and how much energy you use a day. It is thought that nicotine suppresses hunger and speeds up metabolism, so taking away nicotine can cause weight gain
  • Women typically gain between 3 to 5.5 kilos after stopping smoking. Men tend to gain less. But the US Department of Heatlh and Human Services reported in 2001 that in the long term, the weight of ex-smokers is similar to people who have never smoked.
  • Exercise, talk to your doctor or dietician, make sensible eating plans and be realistic and allow yourself some treats. You have afterall just given up smoking.
  • If you are worried about your weight, one of the most popular online weight loss program is Fat loss 4 Idiots which uses the shifting calories theory. If you prefer to follow an enjoyable yet customize meal plan, then give it a go. Email me if you have any comments or suggestions

Congratulations!