Quit Smoking Diary Day 5: Still Alive
I’ve made it to the 5 day mark of being smoke free! I have to admit that I’m proud of myself. I really didn’t think that I’d have the willpower to make it this long, but so far, so good.
I’ve had a few bad cravings, mostly first thing in the mornings and after suppers. I’ve also had small cravings throughout the day, but that has more to do with breaking the habit of smoking and not with the nicotine addiction. The bad cravings seem to be decreasing in intensity with each passing day.
Physically I felt some changes within the first couple of days. My breathing is better and ‘cleaner’, and my sense of smell is better. I have been feeling more tired, but that’s a common short term side effect. The only downside to this all is that I’ve probably gained a pound or two. I’ve been trying to stick to eating fruits and nuts when snacking so at least I’m having something healthy. Gaining a couple of pounds is worth if it means kicking this bad addictive habit. I’ve also been building my jaw muscles by chewing a lot of sugar-free gum. Every time I get a craving I pop a gum into my mouth and the craving goes away after a few minutes. Chewing gum only didn’t help a handful of times so far.
5 days down and 55 to go before I will consider myself an ex-smoker.
Luc "Sandman" G. 
The quit date I had chosen for myself is finally here. I’m on day 15 of taking Champix and I had my last cigarette at 9:30am this morning. I wasn’t planning on having one this morning, but the urge was too strong. I didn’t feel too bad about it. Last night I talked it over with my wife and decided that at most I’ll have 3 cigarettes a day; after breakfast, after lunch and after dinner. This decision wasn’t taken lightly. If I happen to really crave a cigarette and my willpower isn’t strong enough, then having one after a meal won’t make me feel depressed for having jumped back on the wagon (and when I’m down or depressed, I tend to smoke more).
There isn’t much to report for Day -13 and Day -12. I’ve had very few side effects so far. I feel a little nauseous after taking Champix, but its nothing big. I feel much better after lying down for just a few minutes. I’ve also had a bit of insomnia, but I can’t say that it’s being caused by Champix, as I was working overnights last week and am now switching back to days. Still no abnormal/vivid dreams yet either.