Hi Estelle! I haven't smoked a cigarette in four months, which is the longest I have ever gone. Here is some advice from my experience:
-It is good to keep yourself busy to keep your mind off smoking, but it is even more important to manage your stress. Quitting smoking can a stressful experience. Nicrotine withdrawal can cause irritability and lots of stress. Your best weapon in the first few weeks is stress management! Try light cardio excercise (walking or jogging work), stretching, meditation, massages, saunas or other stress relieving techniques.
-Eliminate triggers. This means avoid things that make you think of ciggarettes. The smell of smoke, driving in a car, old smoking spots, the 'after-meal' ciggarette. These are all important triggers to keep in mind. Knowledge over triggers gives you power over them!
-Consider medication. If you have had a hisory of unsuccessful quitting attempts, medication can help greatly! I've heard wonderful things about Chantix. People have said it completed removed their cravings. Wellbutrin is another good medication for quitting. Both of these have been shown to be effective in studies. Talk to a doctor about these!
I personally don't recommend nicotine replacement (the patches and the gum) because they just continue the addiction. They are healthier because there is no smoke involved, but they can cost a lot of money. I know people who have been chewing nicotine gum for ten years!
What is most important is an absolute resolution to quit! Make reminders for yourself of the benefits of quitting. You WILL feel better! You will live longer! You will have more energy. Make post-its to remind yourself of these things. Stay strong! One thing that is really cool is that you will find ciggarettes didn't really relax you at all (nicotine is a stimulant). All they did were relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. When I quit i started having a much easier time sleeping because the nicotine didn't have me all worked up at night. Good luck, you will find yourself much happier being smoke free!