Stop Smoking: Cigarette

You may feel like you are on a rollercoaster during the first couple of weeks after you stopped smoking that cigarette. You will have good days and you will have bad days.

Whether you use a quit aid of some sort or go cold turkey, you are going to feel a certain amount of withdrawal from nicotine.

Some people have more trouble with the first week, and others with the second, but the good news is that for most quitters, the worst of physical withdrawal from nicotine is over within the first two weeks of smoking cessation.

Physically, your body will be reacting to the absence of not only nicotine, but all of the other chemicals in cigarette smoke that you've been inhaling 20 or more times a day for years. When the supply gets cut off, you can expect to feel the effects of that. Flu-like symptoms are common.

The amount of discomfort you'll experience depends in part on how well you take care of yourself during this phase. Follow the tips below to help you minimize the discomforts you'll feel as a result of physical and mental withdrawal from nicotine.
Quit smoking tips for the first two weeks.

Find some support

Having others who are interested in your success is very important. Sign in as a guest to browse and read posts from other quitters, or register to post messages of your own. Add some support to your quit smoking program.

Eat a well-balanced diet

Treats are fine, but be careful not to go overboard with the wrong kinds of food right now. Your body is working hard to expel toxins during the withdrawal process, and that takes energy. Choose foods that will provide you with the high quality fuel you need. Avoid the empty calories of junk food.

Take multi-vitamins

Smoking depletes our bodies of nutrients. Give yourself a boost with the help of a multi-vitamin. This, combined with good diet will help you minimize the fatigue that can often occur during nicotine withdrawal.

Stock the fridge with healthy snacks

Have small bags of bite size fresh veggies within easy reach. Celery and carrots sticks with low fat ranch dressing for dipping makes a good snack. Fresh fruit, such as pineapple chunks, berries, melon or other fruits in season will satisfy your sweet tooth if they're clean and ready to eat when you're looking for a snack. Good freezer treats include low fat fudgesicles and frozen grapes.

Get out for a walk

A short walk every day, as little as 15 minutes even, can work wonders for you as you withdraw from nicotine. Walking reduces edginess and improves circulation. It also releases endorphins, the "feel good" hormone.

So, when the urge to smoke strikes, head out for a walk around the block. You’ll come back refreshed and relaxed.

Get more sleep

Early cessation is tiring. Your body is stressed and so is your mind. Allow more time to sleep if you need it. Don’t worry, the weariness won't last. Your energy will return soon.

Drink water

Water helps you flush residual toxins from smoking out of your body more quickly. It also works well as a craving buster. Drink water before you snack and you will eat less.

Water is an important part of your diet! Keep yourself well-hydrated, and you'll feel better in general. That will in turn help you manage withdrawal symptoms more easily.