No Smoking

I'm onto day 5 of my most determined ever effort to knock the old cancer sticks on the head.

Day one was easy (I was very hungover and unable even to think about smoking).

Days two and three weren't too difficult.

Yesterday I began to get a little cranky.

Today I'm positively sweary and having to bite my tongue for the sake of workplace diplomacy.

I'm not an angry person by nature, but I worry that if one more person leaves their phone ringing merrily away on their desk, they may come back to find a mess of plastic and wires where their phone had previously been.

Any handy hints or tips as to how I can keep both my calm and my job?
( Moey, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 10:57, 15 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

Just have one?
*shrugs*
( Cawl, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 10:58, Reply)

Yes
1. Kill all your colleagues. That way no-one will find out and you can keep your job.
(Himjim died a little more inside on, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:04, Reply)

Thanks Kaol
That's the second to last resort, before himjim's idea, which, worryingly, I'm sure I've seen as advice on here before.
( Moey, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:07, Reply)

umm...
get some gum?
(happylittletulip helpless and delicious, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:08, Reply)

Ok, other advice...
Drink loads of strong coffee.
I mean so much you get the shakes.
And you have to piss every five minutes.

That way, you'll get the satisfying chemical hit of caffeine replacing the nicotine deficit.
Also, as a bonus, the feeling of holding something in your hands will be complete.
It'll just be your penis, instead of a cigarette.

EDIT: That's such damn good advice that I'm gonna post it on Top Tips.
( Cawl, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:12, Reply)

take a sip of water whenever you feel the urge to smoke.
It occupies you momentarily, taking your mind off it. Plus you get to drink lots more water, which is never a bad thing (unless you overdose on it).
(The Empress it seems you CAN polish a turd!, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:22, Reply)

Hey there Gunter,

I had my last fag very early on Sunday morning, so I feel your pain. I use nicorette gum, but very sparingly. Two pieces on the Monday and Tuesday, just one piece after work yesterday.

I've given up for nearly a year in the past and usually find it fairly easy once I've made the decision. The first time I really had to give up was when the misses said no nooky until I'd knocked them on the head. That worked like a charm.

Once you get into week two, try doing a bit of excercise. This helps burn the remnants out of your blood and both makes you feel unhealthy and more willing to keep it up.

As for ringing phones - I've taken to wearing an iPod at work when I need to concentrate. We did a team Myers Briggs and being a profound introvert, I need to cut myself off from extraneous noise so nobody minds. You should give it a try - it's back up by sciene.

If you really feel like a fag, eat chocolate instead. This does make you gain weight, but once you're over the worst, you can cut out the chocolate fairly easily.

That's about it really. Bet I last longer than you!!!!
(Che Grimsdale Best before:, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:25, Reply)

I'm not sure I'd advocate caffeine instead of nicotine
because when you stop feeling the caffeine hit you'll get even more annoyed.

my best tip for giving up smoking is to stop eating stuff with msg in it, like crisps. makes me feel twitchy and like I need a smoke if I'm trying to concentrate on something.

the feeling irritable and angry should pass fairly quickly

the other thing to do is not tell your mates or colleagues! especially if they smoke because they will pester you about how it is going.

if someone asks you if you are coming for a fag just say "no, I don't fancy one"

make yourself believe it!

I have stopped smoking fags for 3 years or so

admittedly I still cane the reefers, but that's only at weekends and it doesn't make me need that nicotine hit during the week
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:27, Reply)

I'd been quit for a few years
But then I started smoking again in social (Read "b3ta-bash") situations.

Then it was at weekends.
This week had been twitchy as fuck, I avoid smoking where possible, but I've been having a few this week.
When this pack is finished, that's it, no more.
( Cawl, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:35, Reply)

Weaklings!
Havent had a smoke since friday last. Looking forward to one or two tomorrow. If only I could give up the crack cocaine. Smoking is yuk unless you're drinking. Dont know why you'd even bother.
(bazmorningstar efil4nat3b, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:41, Reply)

@all
Thanks, there's some good advice.

Che, I'll take that bet as I'm very determined to stop properly this time.

I've not really told that many people, just those that I know will be supportive (as in: those who'll give me a verbal kicking if I start again).

Drinking is something I'm going to put off for a while because I fucking loves having a smoke while I have a drink.
( Moey, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:49, Reply)

Well, good luck!
I've found the best incentive to stop smoking is that none of my mates do, and they delight in insulting me every time I go to smoke.
( Cawl, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 11:51, Reply)

@al
That'll work and I've enjoyed surfing the few times I've tried it, but until I move nearer the coast (when I head back over to the West Country next year... hopefully), I'm a bit stuck.

Kingston isn't renown for its surfing, unfortunately.
( Moey, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 12:08, Reply)

Gunter
You're on.

Have just been for a Thursday lunchtime pint and I was giggling at a prat standing outside in the rain in his coat puffing on a fag, while I sipped my pint in the cosy indoors.




Am now munching a KitKat with my coffee and I'm not even holding it like a fag.
(Che Grimsdale Best before:, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 13:57, Reply)

Nicotine replacement
If you still want some of the old nicotine, try this stuff:

www.buysnus.com

I used it to give up smoking, and I'm finding these much easier to cut down on.
(Potty Jag har smör i min rumpspringa, Thu 4 Sep 2008, 14:34, Reply)