It’s been a few months since I took the plunge and quit smoking. I’ve had some time to reflect on how I feel since making that change. I also cut down on drinking alcohol a month ago, which has been another significant shift in my lifestyle. Quitting smoking was a decision I’d been putting off for ages. I’ve tried to give it up before, but this time felt different. I was fed up with the smell, the coughing, and the whole routine of needing a cigarette to unwind. One day, I just decided enough was enough. I didn’t have any grand plans; it was more of an impulsive decision. I woke up and thought, “Why not?”

The first week was a bit of a rollercoaster. I had cravings that were hard to ignore, but I kept myself busy. I found that going for walks or getting into a good book really helped take my mind off the urges. Surprisingly, I didn’t find myself feeling overly grumpy, which is often the stereotype of quitting smoking. I actually felt pretty empowered. As the weeks went on, I noticed some changes that I wasn’t expecting. My sense of smell has improved dramatically. I can actually smell food cooking now, and it’s amazing how much I enjoy the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It’s the little things that have made a big difference.

Alongside quitting smoking, I’ve also scaled back my alcohol intake. I’m not completely off it—I still enjoy a pint on occasion—but I’ve cut down significantly. I don’t drink at home at all anymore, and the only time I do drink is once a week or less when I have one or two pints with my dad at our local pub. I realised that I was using alcohol to relax, but it was often leading to late nights and feeling rough the next day. By not drinking as much, I’ve noticed I wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to tackle the day. I want to aim for completely quitting alcohol altogether, as I’ve come to understand that it doesn’t really help me. In fact, it often makes my mental health a lot worse. This realisation has been crucial for me.

The benefits of both quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol have been noticeable. I have more energy than I did a few months ago. I’m sleeping better, and I’ve even started exercising more regularly. I wouldn’t say I’m training for a marathon or anything, but I’ve been maintaining my routine of home workouts every day. It’s amazing what a bit of fresh air and physical activity can do for your mood. On top of that, my skin seems to be clearer, and I’m feeling less bloated. It’s as if my body is finally catching up after years of neglecting it with cigarettes and excessive drinking. I didn’t expect to see such quick results, but I’m really pleased with how I’m feeling.

Looking ahead, I want to maintain this momentum. I know it’s easy to slip back into old habits, but I’m committed to sticking with these changes. I feel healthier and more in control of my life, and I want to keep it that way. I’m also excited about what the future holds—less dependence on smoking and drinking means more freedom to explore new activities and interests. 

Quitting smoking and drinking is not just about the physical changes; it’s also about the mental clarity that comes with it. I’ve started to feel more present in my daily life. I’m more aware of my surroundings and able to appreciate things I often took for granted. I’ve even started to enjoy my own company more. There’s something empowering about realising that I don’t need a crutch like cigarettes or alcohol to enjoy life or to cope with stress.

Of course, there are challenges ahead. There will be times when I might feel tempted to have a drink or a smoke, especially during stressful times. However, I feel more equipped to handle these cravings now. I’ve learned some techniques to cope with the urges. Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and simply stepping outside for a moment to clear my head have all been useful strategies. 

Overall, my journey of quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol has been transformative. I feel like I’m becoming a better version of myself—one who is more in tune with my body and mind. I’m looking forward to continuing down this path and discovering what else I can achieve. This is just the beginning, and I’m ready to face whatever comes next.

I had a really great, quiet, chilled weekend. With my daughter out all weekend, I enjoyed a teen-free couple of days to myself. Weekends like this, where I have nothing planned, are especially enjoyable, particularly as we move into the colder winter months. I’ve always found something comforting about staying in when the weather turns brisk outside, wrapping myself up and indulging in good food and good television.

Both Friday and Saturday were mostly spent in front of the TV. I made sure to stock up on my favourite snacks and meals in advance. This weekend, I unintentionally ended up having quite a few pasta dishes, which I was completely fine with, as pasta is one of my go-to comfort foods. There’s something about a warm bowl of pasta that feels satisfying and cosy, especially as the temperatures dip.

On both nights, I got into bed early. After a long week, it felt great to unwind, switch on YouTube, and watch some of my favourite channels. I’ve recently been getting into more documentaries and lifestyle content, which has been surprisingly refreshing. It’s amazing how much you can discover about different topics, from travel to cooking, simply by diving into a few videos.

Sunday began with a really early start. I woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed, which is always a nice surprise on a weekend. I started the day with some fruit and yogurt, paired with a strong cup of coffee. This simple breakfast never fails to set the right tone for my day. Following breakfast, I indulged in one of my long, relaxing baths. While I usually prefer to be in and out of the bath fairly quickly, this Sunday, I took my time, soaking in the warmth and enjoying a moment of peace. The longer I stayed, the more relaxed I felt, which was a great way to prepare for the day ahead.

Shortly after my dad arrived at my house. He stopped by for a cup of tea, and we caught up for a bit before deciding to head to the pub for an hour. The weather was surprisingly mild for the time of year, and I was glad I had put on my new coat. It kept me warm and comfortable during our outing. The pub was quiet, but that’s what I prefer—just a nice place to sit, enjoy a drink, and have a good chat.

After a leisurely hour, we returned home to pick up my daughter and bring her back. She was in good spirits, and I wanted to treat her to something nice for dinner. So, I ordered a Domino's pizza as a little surprise. I opted for leftover spaghetti bolognese, which I had made the previous day. The pasta theme of the weekend seemed to continue! It was all about comfort food, and I was more than happy to indulge in that.

Overall, the weekend was incredibly nice, quiet, and relaxing. Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures in life that matter the most. After all the hustle and bustle of daily life, having a weekend like this reminds me of the importance of taking a step back and just enjoying the moment.

As for tonight, once I’ve finished what needs to be done, I plan to watch episode 2 of the new Penguin series, which I’ve been looking forward to all week. I’m all caught up on Tulsa King series 2 after watching episode 3 last night, so it’ll be nice to settle down with something new to watch. I find that these series provide a great escape, and it’s enjoyable to get lost in the stories and characters.

In a world that often feels rushed, I appreciate these moments of calm. Whether it’s enjoying a bowl of pasta, getting lost in a good series, or having a long bath, these little routines are what keep me grounded. The weather is getting colder, and while I know the winter months can sometimes feel long, they also provide an opportunity to slow down. I’m looking forward to more weekends like this, where I can focus on self-care and enjoyment without any rush.

I’m also contemplating how I’ll approach the upcoming weeks as we move deeper into autumn. With Halloween around the corner, I’ve started picking up a few decorations here and there. I don’t usually go all out for it, but there’s something nice about having a few seasonal touches in the house. It adds a bit of festivity to the everyday routine.

As we approach October, it’s easy to feel the shift in atmosphere—days are getting shorter, and the chill in the air is becoming more noticeable. I’m sure I’ll settle into a comfortable rhythm as we transition into the new season. Maybe I’ll even consider some autumnal activities, although for now, I’m perfectly content with my current routine.
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After a busy week, it’s nice to have a few days to recharge and enjoy the comforts of home. Here’s to more weekends like this, filled with good food, great shows, and the joy of doing nothing at all.