Giving up smoking
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Giving up smoking does not need to be a difficult process. Stopping smoking involves overcoming two enemies: the true
nicotine facts
and your own psychological "
nicotine cravings
".
It is the psychological triggers which are vastly more powerful.
Understanding the two are paramount to any successful quit attempt although many of the supposed “craves” associated with quitting are nothing to do with cigarettes, as we explain later.
You must become a non-smoker in your mind long before it will translate into physical success.
Successful quitters develop a very strong quit
smoking motivation
. Successful quitters draw up plans and stick to them.
People are different and that needs to be reflected in any personalized stop smoking plan.
Many will gain motivation from understanding the negative
effects of cigarettes smoking
others from concentrating on the more positive
benefits of giving up smoking
, a combination of the two is the best.
Acknowledge that there is a reason you smoke, a benefit you believe you derive. The benefit is personal and varies from person to person. Let us be clear however, smoking has no beneficial effects, ever! It is your
smoking belief model
that needs to change. Luckily, we can help.
A
stop smoking hypnotist
can be a useful addition to your armoury and there are many downloadable audio files available on the web allowing you to relax and work on your mindset at the same time.
Each time you smoke you are masking your body’s natural communication mechanisms. Your body’s message is abruptly silenced by introducing the polluting chemicals found in a cigarette.
Successful quitters understand that most “cravings” are nothing more than your body telling you it is hungry or thirsty and those long suppressed signals are misinterpreted as “I need a cigarette”.
This is why smokers can easily skip meals and need a cigarette with alcohol (thirst) but this is no longer the case when you are giving up smoking.
Your body has no need of such destructive poisons. Give up smoking, listen to those long silent voices and never stuff another filthy cigarette in your mouth again. Consider the huge benefits awaiting in our
quit smoking timeline
.
Smokers have acquired the art of shallow breathing to avoid “
smokers cough
”. A smoker taking a deep breath results in a fit of coughing. The only time a smoker will inhale deeply is when taking a long drag on a cigarette.
When your body needs more oxygen (as a smoker it is constantly deprived) it communicates this to you and the smoker interprets this need for deeper breathing as “I need a cigarette” (which is the only time a deep breath is taken). From the outset learn these simple
breathing techniques
breathing techniques and use whenever you feel a “crave”.
You will also need to watch your intake of other stimulants, particularly caffeine which a smoker and non-smoker handle differently and accounts for many of the sleep problems quitters complain of.
Smoking and caffeine
have gone so well together for so long. All it takes is a little careful management to be free forever.
Read our article on
quitting smoking and weight gain
if you have any concerns over a few additional pounds.
Finally, if you have quit several times before, never give up stopping. Each “failure” is a lesson in learning and commitment. But do ask yourself what lessons you can learn from the experiences.
Exercise
First, start thinking in a positive, confident and optimistic way about your forthcoming quit. Imagine the financial and health benefits that will soon be yours.
Second, read each of the highlighted links and perform the exercises on each link.
Now good luck and start reaping the benefits awaiting you in giving up smoking.
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giving up smoking
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