As I quit smoking, the first week has proven a challenge for The Urban Cowboy. I haven’t become totally smokeless as of yet, but am just around the corner to my goal. Below I will list some of the observations, weaknesses, and strengths that I have experienced during the first week of quitting smoking.
Withdrawal Discomfort
The following list is what The Urban Cowboy experienced during the first week of quitting smoking. There are lots more out there that others may experience as they discontinue the use of nicotine bearing sticks, but these are what I can attest to in my quest to become a smokeless cowboy.
- Quitting and cravings to smoke
- Quitting and irritability, and mood swings
- Quitting and fatigue
- Quitting and lack of concentration
- Quitting and headaches
- Quitting and dry mouth, sore tongue, and gums
- Quitting and bad breath
- Quitting and increased appetite, and weight gain
This has got to be the most difficult challenge to deal with. My cravings are strongest in the morning and at night…and of course every minute in between! All kidding aside, the most difficult times have been in the morning and at night. Especially after having a couple cups of coffee!
It’s also a good idea during this time to stay away from places and environments were smoking has been associated with by your brain…bars for instance, and drinking alcohol. These two will place an unbearable amount of pressure on your ability to say no to smoke!
This goes without saying, as my body is detoxifying itself of the nicotine, I have definitely become more prone to mood swings and irritability.
During this first week The Urban Cowboy has noticed that at times during the day a quick nap was in order. Don’t ask me why, but I have felt more tired than normal.
This has been a very BIG discomfort for The Urban Cowboy. At times I am unable to think clearly…very scary feeling! The ability to stay focused, or think analytically was at times very illusive to The Urban Cowboy. Don’t like it!
Not so much a full blown headache, rather I experienced a tightness feeling at the forehead and eye sockets. This symptom hit The Urban Cowboy at the same times as the lack of concentration.
The Urban Cowboy dealt with this nicotine withdrawal symptom with the mass consumption of plenty of liquids like water and juices.
I was actually very surprised by this lack of smoking side affect. Looking forward to better smelling breath, I actually have experienced the opposite during the first week of quitting smoking. Oh well, that’s what gum and Altoids are for!
I didn’t really think my appetite had increased, but after the first week my pants had definitely become tighter. So now, The Urban Cowboy is more aware of the little food cravings experienced through out the day.
Quit Smoking First Week Conclusion
So far The Urban Cowboy has gone through probably the hardest part of quitting smoking. I have resorted to a cigarette for various reasons throughout this process, but nothing even close to the amount smoked in the past. Has The Urban Cowboy become totally smokeless? No, but…I am so close to my goal, I know it will not be much longer before I have kicked this nicotine habit in the butt!
Are you or a friend in the process of quitting smoking? Have you already quit smoking? Share your story here!
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I went through a lot of the same things when I quit. Especially the mood swings! And my appetite did increase, especially for junk food. But I didn’t have to worry about gaining weight, this cowgirl doesn’t gain weight! Eventually my junk food cravings decreased. I also miss the cigarette with a beer, my morning and night cigarette and smoking after I eat. The cravings do lessen, in time. I do get the occasional craving but I feel so much better now that I don’t smoke!
Keep it up!
Good for you! Hang in there and you’ll have it beat in no time. (I chuckled at your comment on my post… yep, I forgot the ONE cowboy that comments on my blog! Sorry!)
.-= Heart of a Cowgirl´s last blog ..Raffle Update =-.
I’ve never smoked, but good for you quitting!!!!!!!!! I know it must be so hard but it’s just the best thing you can do for yourself.
Horray for you!
.-= amy2boys´s last blog ..Sam =-.
OK so instead of coffee – substitute a Redbull for a while – you still get the kick of the caffeine however, the Redbull is cold and will not initiate the need for a smoke….and then as for the rest of the issues? They will disappear very quickly, your body will love you in about 2 weeks. One other thing – go to a state that has banned smoking in all bars and restaurants – for eg. NJ and NY – you cannot smoke in any bar or restaurant so it makes smoking and drinking a non-event anyway!!!!! Oh and you will smell a WHOLE LOT better to the gals who do not smoke. Believe me. You really will. They will like it.
.-= aussiechic´s last blog ..Time to get into the kitchen and get cookin… =-.
I am in the same boat as you but the one thing I noticed right away was heightened energy and more touch and smell sensation. If you feel that you miss it really it never was your friend and in the long run best feeling ever. Best of luck
Allen Carr Easyway to Stop Smoking is making this a wonderful experience.
.-= habanerogal´s last blog ..Oral Fixation slapdown =-.
–>Try having lollipops handy when the urge hits.
I need to remember this when I’m consuming my own blue mountains. It’s the only time I light up. ((sigh))
http://www.websavymom.com
.-= Hokie Deb´s last blog ..Flashback Friday (part 29) – Beer-decathalon =-.
Great job! Sounds like you are progressing and moving in the right direction. We’re proud of you!! Keep it up!! -t
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..Thursday Walkabout ~ Late Summer =-.
You can do it! Good for you! This will be the hardest part!
The pie isn’t frozen when you eat it, it’s cooked. But you put the blueberry part in the oven frozen. I don’t know why, I just know it works! I’ve had to make one every weekend since I first made one!
Ben’s addicted!
Maybe blueberry pie would help with withdrawl….
.-= Blond Duck´s last blog ..A new role =-.
All of this you are dealing with and yet you are still quitting! You should be so very proud of yourself.
.-= Dandy´s last blog ..The Letter B =-.
Thank you all for your support! Tuff, but I’m tougher…at least I like to think so.
Hey I think it’s time for an update good or bad we really want to hear how you are doing in the quit. I would love to throw my support your way if things are tough but lets hear how it goes.
.-= habanerogal´s last blog ..Remembrance Day =-.
habanerogal ~ I will be posting an update shortly.