It's difficult but the rewards are noticeable
Downtown Radio DJ Caroline Fleck used the introduction of the smoking ban last month as a spur to kick her own habit. In the past four weeks she's had ups, downs, and more than one false dawn. Today she updates the News Letter on the trials and tribulations of trying to give up
A whole week without a cig. "Well done you," screeched my mum. It is totally amazing that at the age of 35 my mum still upholds positive parenting. I did not feel that great though. I have gone from a person who would smoke 20 in one night at the weekend and none during the week to being totally obsessed with cigarettes. It is like being on a diet and all you can think about is food. It's driving me mad.
The main test in the last week was a girls' night out for one of my best mates Gemma's birthday. My fellow smoking partner Anita joined us. She says that she has given up two weeks ago. Both of us were really worried that we would be naughty girls or else have a bad night. Previous nights out such as these have always involved smoking, smoking and more smoking.
We totally devoured those little white sticks without a thought to what it was doing to us or anyone else.
Could our night out and our friendship last a smoke-free night or would we bore each other silly and come to the conclusion that our life-long friendship can not survive without the dreaded cigarettes?
After a few exchanges of "I want a cig" we curbed the urge and so continued to enjoy a smoke-free meal and as the wine flowed we had the best craic as always. We staggered home smelling like a brewery but smoke-free lungs and friendship intact. By the way alcohol still gives you a hangover even if you don't smoke as I discovered the next morning.
I am noticing positives to this non-smoking malarky. Being able to run up and down the stairs without needing oxygen and defib at hand. My skin is much healthier and I can taste food properly plus save money. Great!
This whole exercise has prompted me to look at what I remember about smoking and when I do it only encourages me to keep going.
1. Waking up in the middle of the night short of breath
2. Standing alone in the rain out the back.
3. Persistent cough
4. Feeling tired
5. Feeling ten time worse after a night out
6. Stinking of smoke
7. Bad breath
8. Bad skin
9. Feeling like a social out-cast
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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