Hi mrkd and Nat
Welcome to you both. It's great to have you both here.
I smoked for over 25 years, almost 3 packets a day (when they cost about $2.00 a pack). Dreadful. I stopped 28 years ago and haven't had another once since. Though, must admit in the 28 years I still dream that I smoke and have to ask my partner if I've had one or not!!
I went cold turkey. However, before that I spent a good year planning to give up. Sounds silly doesn't it. Though there are many things to consider when giving it up - the weight gain, what to do when you get anxious in social settings, the anger, the irritability, the cravings.
So what was my strategy:
I found a really good reason to want to give it up. My dad had emphysema and there was no way I wanted to end up like him. Unable to get about and do the things I love, going for walks especially in the rainforests. This was like a mantra I said to myself everyday for a year.
How was I going to keep off the weight? Joined a gym, started swimming and cycling again.
What about the cravings? Drank a glass (or part) of water everytime I wanted a smoke. Working in a non smoking environment helped.
What did I do about social situations and anxiety? That was the hardest part. To be honest, because it's easy for me to lock myself away, I did this for the first couple of months until I thought I had the cravings under control. Then I ventured out again. I tried gravitating towards friends who didn't smoke. This made things easier. Now that you can't smoke in a lot of venues makes it easier these days.
Saved up the money I didn't spend on smokes and rewarded myself at the end of 3 months!
Told those I worked with what I was doing and to ignore me if I was getting ratty. Recognise when I was getting ratty, say something like - it's the giving up smokes, walk away from situations. The anger and irritability lonely lasted for about 6 months. I was fine after that.
Changed my mind set. I was a non smoker! Not someone who gave up smoking.
One of the biggest things is not to beat yourself up when you lapse. It's okay. Find another reason for wanting to be a non smoker. It really is worth it. Much healthier (less likely to have a stroke or heart attack), more money, less smelly clothes and breathe. These days being a non smoker is much more socially acceptable than a smoker.
Hope some of this helps you both. Keep reaching out here if and when you want.
There are Tips for managing anxiety pinned at the top of the Anxiety forum.
