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Giving up smoking is one of my greatest victories. It all started long ago when I began my first job. I was surrounded by colleagues who smoked, and gradually, I too got into the habit. At first, it seemed like fun, but over time, it became an ingrained addiction. I started with just a few cigarettes, but before I knew it, I was smoking a whole pack of ten a day. Within a year, it escalated to three packs, and over the next few years, it stabilized at around 4-5 packs a day. This had physical consequences for me—my voice became raspier, and I realized I was trapped in an unhealthy cycle. I would light up before meetings, after meetings, when I was stressed, depressed, or even as an accompaniment to tea or coffee.
I noticed the side effects in myself. I would sometimes get a sore throat, which the smoking aggravated. My appetite decreased. My shoestring monthly budget kept stretching because of smoking. It started to dawn on me that giving up smoking could be a win-win situation: better health and saving. But, like many smokers, I too struggled to quit. I tried various methods—timing my cigarettes, switching to Pan Parag, and even extinguishing my cigarettes after a few drags, only to light them up again. But deep down, I knew the dangers—cancer, heart disease, and declining health.
The real turning point came during a long train journey from Chennai to Delhi and back. I had applied for a job in North India and had received an interview call. I was excited but also nervous. It was a long train journey of 36 hours, and in the rush to get to the station, I forgot to buy cigarettes. I only had two left in my pack, and I smoked them both at night, planning to replenish my stock in the morning. When I woke up in the morning, I reached for my cigarette pack reflexively, but the pack was empty. The next station was over an hour away, and I thought to myself, “Why not use this as an opportunity to quit smoking?” I was reminded of Mark Twain’s famous quote, ‘Giving up smoking is easy, I have done it hundreds of times.’
When the train stopped at the next station, I was tempted to buy cigarettes, but I decided to hold off. Soon, the train rolled out of the railway platform, and I felt victorious because I had managed to resist the temptation. This was my first small victory, but it felt significant. Thereon, I kept myself busy by reading a book, drinking more tea, and avoiding railway platforms that might have tempted me to buy cigarettes.
By the time I reached Delhi, I had gone 36 hours without smoking. It wasn’t easy. The interview went well. I had some free time to explore Connaught Place in Delhi. I stopped at a bar for a shot of brandy. It helped in the chilly weather. I felt the urge to smoke. But I resisted again, and I succeeded; I felt good. Later that night, I boarded the train back to Chennai. By now, 48 hours had passed without cigarettes. The thought of buying a packet of cigarettes didn’t cross my mind. It was a baby success which I didn’t want to share with anyone. Finally, after 72 hours, I reached Chennai without smoking.
My body and mind began to synchronise well without cigarettes. I noticed I felt better—hungrier, more energetic, and even focused. I realized smoking wasn’t just an addiction—it was a nervous and insecure habit. It might have provided temporary pleasure, but it was ultimately damaging, both physically and mentally.
Occasionally, I felt insecure without cigarettes, especially in high-pressure situations or when I had a long trip ahead. But gradually, I became more resilient without them. I had learned that the easiest way to quit smoking was to stop abruptly. No great planning was required. You don’t need to gradually cut down; you just have to decide to quit, and your body and mind will adjust to the void. I found better ways to cope with stress, and life without cigarettes became the new normal.
Soon, I began to enjoy the benefits of quitting smoking. My body was healthier, and my mind was at peace. I realized that quitting smoking wasn’t just about giving up an addiction—it was about regaining control over my life and health. In the end, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding things for me. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. It saved my money, improved my health, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. For anyone struggling to quit, I hope my experience can be of help. Perhaps God had sent me for that interview only to give up smoking where Indian Railways helped me.
Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi
Author, Poet, & Columnist
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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com
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