Meet My New Friend, Nosmo King.
OK, so it's a pretty bad joke. "Nosmo King" of course translates as "No Smoking". And, for those of you who don't know, I used to be a smoker. But, having come to the conclusion that the cigarette is basically an evil invention, as well as expensive, I have decided to try to give up.
My last puff was taken on Thursday morning, which by my calculations means that I haven't had a cigarette in five days. So used am I to reaching for a packet of fags, though, that I think it's the psychological impact of the absence of the things that has been most significant. The act of smoking itself, the whole movement of hand to mouth, had, I think, become such a ritual with me that it's been quite hard to get used to not doing it. Withdrawal from nicotine, then, is, I believe, only one part of giving up smoking, you also have to get used to the fact that it may have actually taken up your time or alleviated boredom, and as I sit here now, I remember that one of the times when I used to smoke the most was when I was at my computer, writing a blog. So, I'm suffering a little as I write this, but I'm equally determined to carry on with giving up, and yesterday when I went out shopping, I had a few hours when I didn't even think about having a fag, which was something of a relief. I can only hope that those periods become longer and more frequent until eventually my cravings disappear. In the meantime, I've taken to drinking large amounts of coffee perhaps to displace my addictive feelings, and so far that's working.
So, "Nosmo King" is indeed my brand new mate. He's been hanging around for about five days now, but I'm hoping that he's going to stick around a little longer, like, maybe the rest of my life.
My last puff was taken on Thursday morning, which by my calculations means that I haven't had a cigarette in five days. So used am I to reaching for a packet of fags, though, that I think it's the psychological impact of the absence of the things that has been most significant. The act of smoking itself, the whole movement of hand to mouth, had, I think, become such a ritual with me that it's been quite hard to get used to not doing it. Withdrawal from nicotine, then, is, I believe, only one part of giving up smoking, you also have to get used to the fact that it may have actually taken up your time or alleviated boredom, and as I sit here now, I remember that one of the times when I used to smoke the most was when I was at my computer, writing a blog. So, I'm suffering a little as I write this, but I'm equally determined to carry on with giving up, and yesterday when I went out shopping, I had a few hours when I didn't even think about having a fag, which was something of a relief. I can only hope that those periods become longer and more frequent until eventually my cravings disappear. In the meantime, I've taken to drinking large amounts of coffee perhaps to displace my addictive feelings, and so far that's working.
So, "Nosmo King" is indeed my brand new mate. He's been hanging around for about five days now, but I'm hoping that he's going to stick around a little longer, like, maybe the rest of my life.
Comments
On a more serious note: I don't know if you are on any medication but be aware that ceasing to smoke raises the level of absorption in the liver and prescribers need to be aware that you have quit.
You will know that you have 'beaten' smoking when you change from saying "I used to be a smoker" to "I don't smoke". The difference is subtle but important. Good luck!
Click here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thanks for the encouragement. It's now been 9 days since my last puff!
Best Regards,
David.
Thank you for the good luck wishes, and also the info about the effect this may have on the taking of medication. I do take meds for my mental health, so I'll probably need to tell my GP.
I'm not quite ready yet to say "I don't smoke", but 9 days without a fag is a good start methinks!
Thanks bazza, and I will visit your blog soon,
David.
How the heck did I miss your posting. Right then, shall try to make amends at three in the morning on this Sunday.
I hope at this time you are still smoke free, my friend. I always knew you had royal blood coursing through thine veins. Talk soon and stay healthy.
Yours truly,
Gary
It's now been thirteen days since my last fag. I think I'm definitely over the worst now. Thanks for the encouragement, and I hope to speak with you soon.
Very Best Wishes,
David.
It's still on my 'activity' list; gave up coffee first... along with sex, drugs, rock -n- roll...
What a world!
Best of it, David!!!
Dixie
Thanks for the encouraging words, although I think I'll try not to give up sex 'n drugs 'n rock and roll. Well, maybe the drugs.
What a world, indeed, Dixie.
Best Wishes,
David.