13 Things Ive Learned About Quitting Smoking

13 Things I've Learned About Quitting Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use After You Quit Print 13 Things Ive Learned About Quitting Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on January 19, 2020 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD on January 19, 2020 FredFroese/E/Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery After 40 years of nicotine addiction, ex-smoker Nenejune wasnt sure shed ever be able to quit. Once she got through her first smoke-free year, though, she knew she was done for good. Her perspectives about what is involved in the journey to quit smoking are  reflected in this article. They show a fundamental change in the relationship she had with cigarettes, and that is the beginning of true freedom. Congratulations, Nenejune, and thanks for sharing. Quitting smoking taught me a world full of lessons. This list could go on forever, but heres some of the most important things I learned: Education: An educated quit is a successful quit. It sounds a bit trite, but its true. Read everything you can find about what to expect when you quit smoking and dont stop there. If you think you have read everything there is about smoking cessation, go back and read it all again.Commitment: Stick with your decision to quit smoking no matter what. Dont waver.  Dont look back.Reasons to quit never change: Write down your reasons and read them over and over. Carry them with you and add new ones as you think of them.Change your relationship with smoking: Retrain your brain by learning to identify and replace faulty thought patterns that dont serve you with thoughts that do. Replace times you would have smoked with healthier habits.Support: Family and friends may not always understand what youre going through, but there are plenty of great online support communities for smoking cessation.  Find one and use it when youre struggling.Discomfort is temporary: You are in recovery. Any discom fort is because you smoked, not because you quit.Visualization: It helped me to visualize my heart and lungs as something precious that I would never willingly hurt, like a tiny baby, puppy, or kitten.Smoking is not an option: When you take away the option, you have taken away the struggle of “should I or shouldn’t I.” Use visualization to throw up a mental brick wall when thoughts of smoking occur. Over time, this will become easier to do.Time and patience: Smoking cessation is  not over in a few days, weeks, or even months, but it does get better and easier with time. Relax and know that every day you put between you and the last cigarette you smoke will heal you.NOPE (Not One Puff Ever) pledge: Quitting for the rest of your life is hard. Quitting for one day is easier. Renew your commitment every day by pledging not to smoke just for today.Forget the romance: Smoking is not fun or enjoyable; it is a deadly addiction. Dont romanticize the good times you had smoking.Be positi ve: Whether you think you can or think you cant, youre right. Attitude is everything.Be proud and thankful: You have chosen health and life over addiction, and every day you dont smoke is an accomplishment to be proud of. Nenejune speaks the honest  truth from someone whos been there. Smoking cessation doesnt happen overnight and it does take work. Its hard, but we  all  have what it takes to quit smoking successfully. Dig your heels in and do the work it takes to get your life back from your addiction. The rewards are outstanding and youll love the person you have the potential to become. Believe in yourself and you can free yourself. More from Nenejune:  Freedom After 40 Years of Smoking