Benefits of Smoking Cessation

I thought I would copy this list from http://quitsmoking.about.com to remind me of all the benifits to be garnered from quitting

Benefits of Smoking Cessation

Every breath I take feels so clean and refreshing
I'm not tired during the day...yet I sleep like a rock at night
I have more stamina, endurance, and confidence
More cash in my pocket
My clothes don't stink
I'm not ashamed of smoking anymore
My anxiety level has gone way, way down
I can breathe!
I'm working out like a champ
I am in control of ME
No more coughing
I'm eating better--I used to substitute cigarettes for food a lot
I can smell again
My complexion is much better
My heart feels relaxed...like it can do more work with less effort now
Less heartburn and indigestion
More respect for myself
No need to worry about attending events where I can't smoke
My house smells good! My car smells good!
No more fear of fire caused by smoking
I spend money on my health now, like working out at a health club, instead of on cigs
My sinus problems are gone!
My allergies and asthma have improved
I don't feel like a hypocrite
I can sing again!
No more time wasted smoking
Whiter teeth
Fresh breath

Cure stained lips

Get rid of Stained fingers and nails... yuck

reduce wrinkles
Sharper thinking
Pride in myself
No more guilt about exposing family and friends to secondhand smoke
Confidence in my ability to achieve whatever goal I set for myself!

Morning Smoke

I delayed my first cigarette this morning waiting until after breakfast. When I lit up I must admit It didn't taste good but it felt good... smoked only half and snuffed it out.
I am preparing myself by doing some reading on quitting and mental preparation.

A good video on quiting with lots of tips on video jug.

At the end of the day this is one of those things you do for yourself and by yourself. Friends may provide encouragement, and some may test you with temptation but I know that I am the one who must walk the gauntlet.

Making Preparations

I have begun telling friends that I have set Saturday as quit day. Everyone wishes me good luck but some are skeptical that I can do it.

I purchased what will be my last packet of cigarettes today.

I realize that this will not be easy. I have some nicotine gum and patches at hand to help with the withdrawals and I am planning a weekend with lots of physical activity, swimming , etc. And I plan to keep myself arms distance from temptation the first days.

Tomorrow I will clean house and collect up my smoking paraphernalia.

I have not yet made any announcement to family, that will wait until Saturday.

Here are some basic tips
How to Quit Smoking in 5 Days

I am also going to book a nice massage Saturday to get me in the right mindset for this journey.

A Decision is Taken

I have taken the decision to quit smoking after more than 40 years on the weed.

I have been badgered by family and friends for years and now is the time.
It is 4 months since I retired from my job and 16 months since I went on a diet and exercise program after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I took off over 50 kilos and have gotten back into shape with regular exercise.

I have run out of excuses and now is the time to face an even bigger challenge to quit smoking.

I have decided to make a blog of this journey which is sure to be full of challenges and ups and downs.

I have set Saturday 1 August as quit day and I am preparing myself by reading up on smoke cessation.

My motivation is not dissimilar that which I had to follow a diet and exercise for my diabetes. It is not fear of dying but the desire to enjoy the best quality of life I can for the time I have here. I do not wish to finish my days bridled to an oxygen tank or wasting away with cancer, a stroke or some other degenerative disease.

I am a hard headed slave to nicotine but I am tired of it all:

Enough of my shortness of breath
Enough of the anti social behavior of slipping outside to grab a smoke
Enough of the stink in my clothes, on my breath, in my house, in my car, on my person.
Enough of running out at night to fight with an uncooperative vending machine to get my fix.
Enough of wasting time when we have so little to spare to give myself a cigarette fix.
Enough of not being able to smell and taste as well as I could.
Enough of being enslaved by addiction
Enough of self denial which cheats none but yourself
Enough of wasting money on a self destructive habit
Enough of committing slow suicide

So let the adventure begin. Another step in taking control of my life.

Antioxidents and Smokers

And just when you thought by having a healthy diet with lots of antioxidents you were protecting yourself from the effects of Smoking a study comes out showing that cigarette smokers don't gain the same important benifits that non smokers do.

Micronutrient antioxidants and smoking

Nicotine: the most Addictive Substance!

Some good reading in links below:

LINK HERE

An article explaining How Nicotine WORKS