Stop Smoking

So we are eating better, exercising more but how many of us are still smoking?  That is definitely something that has to go if we are going to live a healthier life!!  I know, I know it is very easy to say but stopping smoking (and staying stopped) can be very difficult.
 

You will notice that I say stop smoking, rather than give up smoking.  This is deliberate as “giving  up” something suggests depriving ourselves of something we need/ like/ enjoy, when, in fact smoking is something that gives us nothing, but fools us into thinking we need the nicotine to relax, and enjoy life in a way that non-smokers are able to without any stimulation.

If you have decided to stop smoking, the first thing to do is set a date.  Write this date down, mark it on your calendar as a constant reminder and try hard to cut down the number of cigarettes you are smoking each day coming up to this date. I think it is important to be in the right mind set and for this you need to be absolute determined that on that day you will STOP.  Tell your family & friends of the date you have decided upon.  It is important that you receive support from the people you care about most. You are more likely to succeed if they are on your side to offer encouragement and understand if you are a little stressed whilst fighting the addiction! They are the people who will help you find what works for you if you are having a bad day.     
    

Better still if you can find a buddy to stop smoking at the same time.  Someone to provide mutual support. Someone you can ring, at any time of the day, if you feel you are going to give into temptation and they will be strong for you and vice versa.  It will help no end if you have someone who is going through exactly the same as you and understands that you will have good days and bad days before you are finally smoke free. You and your buddy could try going on long walks, perhaps out  in the country or along a coastal path – exercise will really help with the cravings- and remember they don't last forever, it will become easier and easier.               

Next make a list of all the reasons why you are going to stop smoking.  I have written an example list below, but you will have your own reasons to add to this.

●       Health problems - smoking has proven links to various illnesses in particular lung cancer.
●       It is very expensive.
●       Nicotine is an addictive substance our bodies do not need.
●       Smoking gives us bad breath.
●       It makes our clothes smell.
●       Smoking around children can lead to health problems for the child. 
●       Smoking is banned in so many places that smokers are increasingly becoming outcasts.
●       Wanting to live long enough to enjoy the grandchildren
●       The only people who benefit from this addiction are the cigarette manufactures and the tax man!!

Everyone will have their own reasons for wanting to stop smoking and every reason is as valid as the next. It doesn't matter why you want to stop smoking, it just matters that you do!!    

 

So how do we go about stopping? 

Different people choose different ways to stop smoking. Some people are able to stop using will power alone.  They make up their minds to stop and do!  However I feel for many people this is the least likely option to succeed.  I know of friends who have decided to stop smoking and have found themselves walking to the 24 hour store late at night, to purchase a packet of cigarettes, after wrestling with their conscience for hours!  If you feel this is the right way for you then give it a go!

However, I think most of us would prefer a little more help.  And don't worry - there are a whole load of products that you can buy in your local pharmacy that will increase your chances of finally stopping smoking. There are a range of nicotine replacement products including chewing gum and patches that allow you to have a controlled amount of nicotine so that you can wean yourself off cigarettes, without suffering the full effects of nicotine withdrawal. There are also some very clever false cigarettes that allow you to “pretend” to smoke. Breaking the nicotine addiction is one part of stopping – but also you need to break the habit.     

Alternatively, you may decide that you would prefer to try hypnotism and if so I'm sure you will find local therapists in your area who will be willing to help you with this.  It is important that if you decide to go this route you make sure that your therapist is registered and, also, is someone you feel you can trust and that you feel comfortable with.

If, however you are not sure about the idea of finding a therapist I have come across an amazing, complete hypnotherapy programme, designed by one of the UK's leading clinical hypnotherapists, Jon Rhodes. Take a closer look and you may feel that this is the best option for YOU.   The programme covers everything, from getting ready to stop smoking, to dealing with cravings, to finding smoking disgusting!  This is something you can use in the comfort of your own home that can help you achieve your goal of beating the habit of smoking. You do not have to worry about finding the right therapist or talking to a stranger – you can just relax and listen in your own living room.  The programme offers you everything you need to stop smoking and even comes with a money back guarantee – so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

Remember, it doesn't matter what method you chose to help you to stop smoking - the important thing is that you do stop!! It will take determination and willpower but there is help out there – take it! You do not need to smoke, it gives you nothing, costs a lot and is very likely to damage your health. 

Now I will share with you a little tip with you for when you have stopped smoking. Eat lots of juicy oranges. This will help take away the urge for a cigarette - it is hard to smoke after eating citrus fruit!  Also, eating plenty of oranges will give your body lots of vitamin c to help aid the healing process – so stopping buying cigarettes and buy oranges (or lemons, limes, pineapples etc.) – you get the idea!  

Set your stopping smoking date today .......good luck!!!