London

WEEK ONE

Day one

I’m really excited about the challenge. I think it's going to be good quitting with my sisters, Tina and Debbie. We all need to quit - we know the risks - it's time to stop.

I’m trying yoga tomorrow so maybe that’s when I should have my last cigarette. I’m curious at how yoga can help me quit smoking but I feel confident - I will succeed. I’ve done it before!

I only started smoking again a year ago for a laugh. I can’t believe I’m hooked again!

Day two

I tried yoga tonight and I am more flexible than I thought! By the end of the lesson I could touch my toes!

Secret smoking sessions are a problem.

It’s not helped with smoking yet - I had a fag as soon as I left!

After talking to the yoga instructor it kind of makes sense how breathing exercises can help me with my cravings.

I’m a bit worried though as I don’t think I’m going have the time to do an hour everyday, not with the kids and the house and that.

But I have my breathing exercises to follow so who knows?

Day five

Trying to do yoga in the house with my kids is not happening - every time I sit down to have a go the dog comes in, or the kids shout mum!

I really am trying.

Day seven

Been trying the breathing exercises again - they do help me relax but I just don’t have the time. I need to make time.

I’m trying to cut down on the ciggies but it’s not happening.

When I do sit down to do them, I can’t get over the fact that I look and feel ridiculous. The kids laugh at me.

Still smoking!

WEEK TWO

Day eight

I am still doing my yoga breathing, well, trying, but it’s easier to pick up a fag than breath through the craving?

So I am still smoking. Maybe after work slows down a bit I will be able to take yoga more seriously. I am cutting down though, smoked less today - just got to stick to it.

Stub it out - harder than Linda thought

Day nine

I met up with Tina and Debbie today and we have been talking about quitting.

It seems I am not the only one finding it hard, but we talked about mum's ill health and I have realised, I have to take this seriously.

When I talk to any of the family, I really want to quit but when I’ve left the room, I just think… I want a cigarette.

This really is harder than I thought.

Day 11

Oh dear, my husband keeps telling me to picture my kids visiting me in hospital every time I pick up a cigarette. It's such an awful thought, but it's not making me quit.

I feel awful every time I put a fag in my mouth but it's making me smoke more. I need to try something else.

Day 12

I have decided to try something else to help me quit – Bio-resonance.

It’s weird! The treatments require me to hold metal balls to encourage electrical impulses to go through my body.

Seems strange but the way I am feeling, I will try anything.

Till then I am going to try and cut down - I have too.

Day 14

Cut down a bit today but seem to have smoked more when walking the dog. Bring on the electric ball thingy - only one week to go!

WEEK THREE

Day 15

Disaster - Bobby girl has been at it again. I don’t smoke in the house and I try and keep my fags hidden but my daughter has done it again.

I left my packet of fags on the piano after walking the dog and found them in the kitchen bin covered in sauce.

She does that so I can’t fish them out of the bin, clever. I know she hates my smoking so much but I really am addicted. I’ll have to go out and buy some more fags.

Many women start smoking as teenagers.

Day 17

More will power is what I need and I don’t seem to have it.

I am so busy, but I keep arranging everything around my next fag?

Does anyone else do that? It’s really bad but I am still cutting down slowly…

Day 19

I have been given a health questionnaire to complete before I take part in the Bio-resonance treatment. It’s very detailed. I’m getting quite excited about trying it now.

There is a downside. I have to stop drinking tea, coffee alcohol and fizzy pop.

I will miss my cup of tea in the morning. The good news is I can carry on smoking and have my last cigarette in the session!

It sounds too good to be true but I hope it works. I am ready to try anything.

Day 21

Today I had Bio-resonance treatment. It was as bizarre as I imagined. The practitioner was lovely. I was told to spit into a cup after smoking my last cigarette which was a bit odd!

The cup and my spit were then stuck in a machine for some kind of analysis. I had a head band on and a thing round my waist and was plugged into a weird machine. Felt like I was a car going for an MOT!

I relaxed and meditated for a little bit afterwards and then I went to collect the kids. I have to admit I felt sick afterwards and have done since.

It's now early evening and I can’t face food or a cigarette so hopefully it’s worked.

FINAL WEEK

Day 22

Late last night I fancied a fag. I was really hoping that Bio-resonance would work for me but I am not sure.

Kicking the smoking habit - not easy.

I haven’t smoked much today which is a good thing, but I don’t feel any better and my cravings are still coming.

Day 23

I feel really low today, the four weeks are almost up and I’m still smoking!

Day 24

I have smoked loads today, and I feel awful, disgusted at myself. This is really hard I don’t even know what else to say.

Day 25

It’s the last day tomorrow and what have I got to tell everyone?

That I failed? That my will power alone wasn’t enough, that I couldn’t find the time for yoga, that one session of Bio-resonance didn’t work? That I am a failure and I still want a cigarette?

Day 27

Last day.

Well it’s the last day and I feel worse now than when I started - I feel like I have let everyone down.

I’m so disappointed that this has beaten me. I knew this was going to be hard but not this hard.

I do still want to quit. I think I have to do it in my own time.

I want everyone out there to know this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I am still going to keep on trying, for my family for my health and for myself.

I will quit.