Joe Armstrong, with a little help from Micheál Martin, helps you decide if you are ready for that all important Quit Date
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and Micheál Martin has done us all a favour in announcing March 29th for the smoking ban. Fair dues to him. I met 12 smokers at Navan library last week; all were in favour of the ban.
Of course, what we're about isn't only stopping smoking. We've lots of critters to eliminate from our thinking and behaviour before we can live our lives to the full. Don't be tempted to stay in the cave of addiction. All you see from that hole is shadows and false friendships. Outside lies the real world. Dare to come out.
I've a reservation about this fast-track column - only started two weeks back. Our Quit Date is tomorrow. In Write Way to Stop Smoking I urge readers not to rush: to take four weeks to do the step-by-step exercises in the book. And not to stop earlier, even if tempted. 'Graduates' reckoned waiting was important. After four weeks they were ready. Are you?
Have you surveyed your home, car and workplace and eliminated all smoking-related paraphernalia? Don't bury or give your ashtrays or pipes away - smash them! Are cigarettes and cigars gone for good from every pocket, drawer and dashboard?
If you're using nicotine replacement therapy, have you your stock? Have you calculated how much you'll save in a year and in 10 years? Have you a moneybox for the dosh you would otherwise have spent on addictions? Did you decide how you want to treat yourself with that money? Have you written your journal every morning? Have you kept that two-hour date with yourself each week and scheduled physical activity for next week?
Are you taking time out for mini-relaxation breaks during the day, to stretch, get fresh air or do yoga? Have you asked friends and relatives for support? Have you written down all your smoking triggers for a week and decided in each case how you will manage those situations - without acting out addictions - from tomorrow? Have you figured out which 'friend' might offer you a relapse cigarette, drink or (if pigging out is your thing) Black Forest gateau?
If you answer no to one or more of the above, you might consider postponing your Quit Date for a week or two until you have completed the recommended preparations.
Depending on what it is you're stopping, carry a relevant support phone number, such as the Irish National Smokers' Quitline (1850 201 203), Alcoholics Anonymous (01 4538998) or Overeaters Anonymous (01 2788106). Plan to spend as much of next week as possible where your addictive activities are not permitted.
You ready then? OK. Anticipate possible withdrawal symptoms. Forewarned is forearmed. For instance, coming off cigarettes you might develop a cough, as your lungs eliminate toxins. You could feel dizzy, because you're actually getting your proper dose of oxygen.
Cravings can, of course, be acute, especially during the first three days. But even the worst ones only last up to five minutes. And after three days, it's all in your mind. Which is cool because that lies within your control.
Don't get too tired, too hungry or too angry from tomorrow. Eat lots of fruit and drink lots of water. Accept any irritability - it'll pass. Ring those numbers or email me to share your journey.