Stop smoking 30 day challenge!!

So, you're probably wondering, is it possible? You bet it is!!! Two years ago I was blessed by God for giving me a wonderful and beautiful daughter. Every morning she always looks for me to see if "daddy" is next to her when she wakes up. After hearing her voice in the mornings, I started wondering to myself...what if "daddy" wasn't there anymore? Especially, if the reason was one that I could have prevented. We all have our time and I wanted to extend mine to be with my family and my daughter so I could share more of those "special" times with them. Of course, I want the best for my daughter and her future. That is the major reason I had decided to give up smoking. It was either smoking or my daughter, I chose the better reason!

If you "just started" smoking, you have an easier chance to quit. If you are a long time smoker, you can also quit, but will take a little extra effort. It's an effort well worth your life. Here are a few facts about smoking, maybe you've heard of them or not.

Smoking causes lung cancer and emphysema. Emphysema slowly breaks down your lung function to the point where the person always has battles with chronic bronchitis among other infections and diseases affecting the lungs.

When you smoke, the little cilia in the lungs (hair like structures that help take out the bad microbes) cease to stop working and are damaged. But, all hope is not lost! After a person quits smoking, the little cilia start to repair themselves and function normally. Smoking again damages them over time to the point they don't work anymore.

Smoking raises your blood pressure, constricts your veins and can contribute to stroke. When your veins get constricted, the fatty deposits built up over the years have more chance to block the veins and you can have a stroke.

Carbon monoxide, (the stuff that comes out of your car) which is a colorless, odorless gas is harmful to your lungs and body. What happens is, your lungs are more likely to take in the carbon monoxide than oxygen. It has an easier time to transfer. If the carbon monoxide is high enough, you can get carbon monoxide poisoning and possibly die.

Smoking also causes cancer in your mouth or throat and the yellowing of your teeth.

Here is a listing of commonly found chemicals in cigarettes. Ammonia (yep the stuff in toilet cleaners and other cleaning agents), formaldehyde (the chemical used to preserve corpses) and acetone (nail polisher remover anyone?). These are just a few, but the most dangerous ones. There are over 4,000 chemicals found in cigarettes.

Smoking also makes you make that awful noise like your gagging when you cough, ewww.

Here are some ways you can stop:

You have to have the desire to quit, be it for yourself or your loved ones. No one has the power to make you quit except yourself.

Chew gum (sugarless) when you can. It will help fight the cravings. Candy also helps, but will contribute to slight weight gain!

If you say, "well I will gain weight if I quit" that's not a good answer. You can get yourself into a fitness program or start exercising to lose that extra weight. Besides exercise is great for you, speeds up your metabolism and makes you feel and look better!! You can also walk with your family around the block or to the park. That way everyone benefits from this and you get to bond a little more with your family.

Think of all the money you will save!! In the states, the cost of cigarettes are getting to an outrageous price. If you add up all the cigarettes smoked by you in one year, you might be surprised at how much you can save. I think that money would be better off going to your kids, don't you think? Or to yourself if you have no kids.

Try not to put yourself in the situation of having to smoke. I know for a fact that if you stand next to someone that is smoking, you are likely to want to smoke also. Distance yourself!!

If you are a heavy smoker, try cutting down on the smoke time for each cigarette. Putting it out let's say halfway or three quarters of the way down will help you. This is to gradually decrease your nicotine cravings that your body has.

Instead of lighting up first thing in the morning, do some morning stretches. Go for a brisk walk (even 5 minutes only) helps.

Here is a tip for the new smokers. It usually works and is great!! One or two sticks in an hour won't do anything to you, in fact that's the way of putting yourself on the road to lung cancer. Smoke yourself sick!! If you caught your kids smoking, this is an idea that will surely change their mind. Smoke the whole pack non-stop. When I say non-stop, that's exactly what it means. You will end up not feeling too good and hopefully the feeling and impression will stay in your brain.

Find a hobby that keeps you busy and away from smoking. Starting crafts or joining sports can be a great way to start. Playing with your kids also can contribute to your daily routine.

If you put this advice into action, I guarantee you will feel better (even within one week) of starting this regiment. If you need help or support, please feel free to e-mail me. I would like to know how you are doing with this regiment. Going "cold turkey" might be good for others, but if you are having a hard time, here's another method.

O.k. here is the hard part:

Let's say you are smoking 20 cigarettes a day (one pack). We will use the month of November as an example since it's coming up and you can start already!! On November 1 (Thursday), you will still be smoking 20 sticks a day right? O.k. on November 2 cut that down to 18 by implementing at least one tip that I gave you above. November 2-4 repeat previous steps. From November 5-9 cut your sticks to 16 and keep on implementing a tip. November 10-14 cut it down to 14 sticks and implement a tip. From November 15-19 cut it down to 12 and implement a tip. O.k. after November 19 cut each day by one stick while implementing an above tip and by November 30 you will have smoked your last stick. Congratulations!!! Starting Dec. 1 you are no longer a smoker. Keep on with the tips and get your family or friends to join you for an easier time. Hope this works out for you!!