Hi I'm Lyn. I have smoked since age of 15. I am now 59 and live alone. Until today I smoked about 30 a day.

I have used smoking as a form of comfort, coping mechanism, stress relief and for loneliness. There has been much stress and grief in my life.

I want to turn all of the above around and not rely on smoking for anything anymore.

It is affecting my health and the cost is making my life even more difficult.

I have tried stopping 3 times and find it soooo hard to do.

I am extremely concerned about putting on weight. Am only 152cm tall and don't want to look like a big round beach ball :)

Please help with any suggestions and hints...

Welcome aboard Lyn.

 

I suggest you spend some time reading the articles and watching some of the videos available here at Quit Train.  We all used to think that cigarettes helped with stress and other issues.  The truth is: the only thing the cigarette does for you is temporarily relive nicotine withdrawal.  And the only reason you have nicotine withdrawal is because you smoke cigarettes.  Recognizing the futility of smoking is a good first step when quitting.

 

As for any potential weight gain, don't worry about it too much.  The positive effects of quitting far outweigh any issues with putting on a few pounds.  Plus, physical activity is a great way to cope when feeling any withdrawal symptoms early in your quit.  Be it vigorous exercise or just a simple walk around...movement is a great tool to set your mind and body right.  And of course, movement throughout the day will go a long way towards keeping your weight stable.

 

It's normal to feel a bit of doubt and hesitation when beginning a quit.  Most, if not all, of us felt it to some degree.  It can be done and the process is quite often easier than we imagined it would be in the beginning.

 

Commit fully.  Make good use of the educational resources available.  Stay with us on the Train...by signing up, you gained a good group of allies in your journey to freedom from nicotine and cigarettes.

Thank you very much. Your words are very comforting and inspiring. I will read and watch the videos :)

You have got this Lyn.

Boo said it all.

Congratulations on you decision to quit smoking.  Just go with it, I think you will find that doing it is actually a whole lot easier than you imagined it would be.

Congrats, If you are like me you work yourself up and when you do it its actually a lot easier than you thought. Same as the dentist, hate going, and when you walk out you go... well it wasn't that bad !

Hi Help!  Try to learn as much as you can about nicotine addiction.  You will see that cigarettes never really did anything for you...except one thing...speed up your metabolism a little bit.  Yes, you may gain some weight.  A lot of us do but it is better than continuing to be a smoker!  A lot better!!  You can work on losing the extra pounds later...

 

Welcome and best wishes to you for a successful quit!   :)

Congrats..for making the best decision of your life...

Don't worry about a few pounds..this won't kill you..carrying on smoking will..

I am only 5 ft tall ..on my tiptoes..lol..I have now lost the extra pounds I gained..

Try and nibble on some healthy snacks..and maybe walking...this is all you have to do...

Congratulations Lyn.  Best decision ever!  As a multi-decade smoker myself, I understand your fear of taking the plunge.  But that fear is irrational.  Yes, there will be some discomfort in the beginning.  But it truly won't kill you.  Continued smoking will.

 

As far as the weight gain goes, most people do pack on some extra pounds.  I gave myself a pass for the first six months then got back to serious exercise and good nutrition.  I'm now in better shape than I was in my thirties (maybe because my lungs aren't coated in tar anymore).

 

Really glad to have you on board.  I know you'll enjoy the freedom ahead.  

Hey Lyn! Make a list of the main reasons you want to quit smoking and keep that with you at all times. That way, you can take it out and read it when ever that little voice inside you head is trying to convince you to smoke "just one". Stay committed to your goal of quitting. If you remain committed, you will win. Every battle you win with the addiction makes you stronger and the addiction weaker. It truly works. It just takes time and hard work on your part. Educate yourself about the addiction too, as others have already said. You CAN do it! It's just up to you and we will be here cheering you on and to lend support along the way :)

I am extremely concerned about putting on weight.

Irrelevant in the face of a Terminal Smoking Related Disease, is it not?

 

Are they gonna stand around the coffin thinking "well ... at least she wasn't fat so ... There's that, right?"

 

Quit making excuses.

 

Just quit.

 

Weight is unimportant to a quit effort.

 

 

 

 

Easy Peasy

Thank you. I am very grateful that I found this site and met all of these wonderful wise people :)

how are you feeling today?

Oh really feeling the pangs of withdrawal today