Smokers’ corner

After a mini-relapse in the mid-week, which strangely coincided with working extending hours at Manchester Confidential, I have spent the last few days trying to get back on track.

There’s a new tetchiness, which has made me have mini strops about things that would have been previously not bothered to me. However, I have found comfort in the fact that I am not alone in my moodiness

This has mainly involved returning to a healthier diet of fruit and finally making time to start reading the Alan Carr book, which most former smokers have told me is the most effective way to try and quit.

I’m hoping that the reading of this book will help identify a way of solving the biggest problem I have had from not smoking. This is the odd change in character and occasional moods that non-smoking has brought on.

There’s a new tetchiness, which has made me have mini strops about things that would have been previously not bothered to me. However, I have found comfort in the fact that I am not alone in my moodiness.

For some reason the last few months have also seen an increasing number of my friends step up in their efforts to pack cigarettes in for good. People I know, who have smoked their entire lives without wanting to quit are also taking this moment to give cigarettes up. Smoking must be going out of fashion.

One of these friends is Stu, who after years of smoking has decided that enough is enough. Overall he has been doing pretty well; he’s fought through the cravings and used his unique tactic of enjoying walks in the countryside to try and pack in the habit.

However, as the nicotine has started to leave his system, the chemical reaction has Stu tetchy too. To counteract this Stu and his 12-year-old son made the trip to the chemist to get some patches. When there, his son was confused as to why his dad was willing to queue up for half an hour for stickers that attach to his arm.

“Well son” Stuart began, “If I put some patches on my arm, they have nicotine in so they will help me quit smoking. Overall it means I’ll live longer but you might have to put with me being a bit moody for another few weeks.”

His son stared at his dad for a minute before replying: “Well of course I want you to live longer but if it means three more weeks of you doing my head in, then I’m not too sure.”

Proof that trying to quit smoking effects everyone around you.