Getting ready to finally quit smoking
So you've finally made the decision to quit smoking and this
time you mean business. Well if so let me tell you what you need
to do to prepare and to keep on the track.
Whether you're going to stop naturally which I recommend or
using medication of some sort. It's important that you stay
focused and plan before you quit smoking.
Why? I hear you ask.
Let me tell you why...
I tried to stop smoking once a few years ago. It was the first
time I had tried. I didn't plan or prepare, I just decided I was
going to quit. I believed the hype about patches so I just
brought a couple of packs to do me the week and smoked my last
cigarettes that night. In my mind it was, 'I'll quit from
Monday', I'm sure you've all done that even if it wasn't with
stopping smoking. Maybe it was something like 'I'll start the
diet Monday' or 'I join the gym on Monday'. Why's it always
Monday anyway?
Getting back to the story. Monday morning came and I was
confident I would succeed. I stuck a patch on and went to work.
Through out the day I felt bored and anxious. I carried on for
another day but at lunch time I just cracked and had to beg for
a cigarette off a work mate.
I only went for a day and a half and this wasn't down to will
power but not planning and preparing myself. I could have
planned for the boredom and anxiety making sure I had something
to keep me busy. I could have also planned to keep away from
other smokers so I couldn't get a smoke.
Here are a few things you should plan for:
Boredom Anxiety Cravings Been near other smokers Stress Drinking
Some of these can easily be overcome. Boredom can be overcome by
keeping busy. Stress and Anxiety can be overcome by doing
exercise (I found this to help greatly). You also aren't likely
to be near other smokers when exercising. Try and keep out of
the pub because when drinking your more likely to have a smoke
and you'll also be around other smokers.
To calm your cravings I recommend you try hypnosis like I did
when I finally quit smoking for good.