Fighting a Puff

On July 30, 2012, I made a commitment and was determined to stick to it and go cold turkey: never take another puff! Giving up smoking wasn't easy but I'm proud of myself because it's been a year now I haven't lit up. Last July, I was diagnosed with PAD - Peripheral Arterial Disease - and went through angioplasty of my right leg. Certainly, this gave me the willies. Then my doctors said I had to give up smoking. I had been smoking 30-40 cigarettes for 31 years and was stupid enough not to realise that I was puffing my way to death! As you may realise, I was seriously addicted to nicotine. 

Smoking Kills

Having made my commitment, I visited various suport sites online and even signed up for help. To be honest, this didn't help much. The first 48 hours without a cigarette weren't so bad. But the third day was terrible. I started to crave for a puff and had withdrawal symptoms. My mouth was dry, I was stressed out, I didn't have any cigarettes at home..... I was on the verge of breaking down.

To calm down, I made a list of all the benefits I had three days after: I almost got rid of a terrible cough, I could breathe better, my sense of taste and smell improved. Unbelievable! In three days only, I could enjoy the benefits of not smoking.  This made me stick to my commitment. I soon realised that everything I could do as a smoker, I could do it as a non-smoker and much more - like spending a winter holiday in London.

 

Drinking cranberry juice helped a lot as it helps nicotine to be excreted. I also made a list of why I want to give up smoking - that list never gets shorter. Weight control was another major issue. I decided never to substitute food for cigarettes!  Whenever I had a crave for a puff, I had a sugar-free Ricola mint sweet.

The next step was to face stress without a cigarette. This occurred when I had a puncture. Of course, it goes without saying that I am unable to fix a flat tyre. I called Alkis but I was very stressed out while waiting for him to come, and I almost asked a passer-by to give me a cigarette. But I didn't. A cigarette wouldn't have fixed my flat tyre.

A year later, I  make a list of all the great benefits of not smoking. It's a long list.  Fighting a puff wasn't easy, but I'm glad I'm the winner.   When there's a will, there's a way - this is what it boils down to, after all.

Comments

[FaithB]

I am so proud of you, Anastasia. I love you!!! You are such and wonderful example. Now I must get my man to stop smoking. He says he is now listening to his lungs telling him it is time to quit.

[Christina]

I wish I had your power of will to give it up. I've been smoking quite a lot lately and working often from home doesn't help much. Owing to the financial crisis in Greece, the smoking ban isn't respected in bars, restaurants, night clubs or cafes. The owners would rather pay a fine than lose customers - especially in the winter. Of course, this is no excuse. I just need to follow your example and kick off the bad habit.

[Constantinos T]

Although I've never smoked, I understand it was a hard fight. I am glad to hear that you are the winner. Congratulations!

[Lakis Ioannou]

Well done, Anastasia! I used to smoke but then I gave it up 10 years ago. Now I smoke a cigar from time to time, especially after a good meal.

[Stefania]

You did a great job, Anastasia. Well done!