Archive for December, 2008
by Darren Warmuth
First of all, just talking about relapses can be dangerous because once the thought of slips enters the mind it is difficult to get rid of it, and you unconsciously will it to happen. Have you heard the story of a boy trying to learn cycling? He was so scared of hitting against the stone on the road that on a wide road he saw only the stone and banged right into it.
If you are thinking about quitting smoking, do not make plans for, nor allow for any 'slips', 'just ones' or any 'accidents' for that matter. The old saying goes - 'If you fail to plan, you plan to fail' but I would also like to add to that the advice of 'If you plan for slips or accidents, you are more likely to have one as opposed to if you adamantly tell yourself that there will be no allowance for moments of weakness.'
However, it is equally foolish to delude yourself that you cannot go wrong. So, when the slip does happen, chastise yourself until you feel completely guilty. Let the guilt go deep down so that it becomes a loud resisting voice when temptation strikes again. It is for this reason that support groups are recommended. They help you regain strength to overcome such hurdles.
If by chance you have had more than one 'slip' or have repeated 'slips', it is time to be honest with yourself. I know that a lot of people are going to disagree with me on this, but please don't send me any letters because I have probably spoken to more smokers and non-smokers about this subject than most people. My advice is this. Stop trying to fool yourself into thinking that these occasional slips are fine and are just part of the normal quitting process - they aren't!
You have to be continuously vigilant for these slips otherwise you will eventually start smoking as much as you used to smoke, if not more. Whether you like to believe it or not, this happens every time.
Admitting failure gives you strength to start again. If you slip too often, it is time to admit failure and start all over again. But, go slow the second time. Make a note of all that went wrong; try to collect information on how to deal with the specific problems and then start again. It is far better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to delude yourself that you are succeeding in your resolve to quit smoking barring the few aberrations.
It is much better to realize that you have missed your target this time around and get back on a new and better course than to continue smoking and that too with a guilty conscience. It will shatter your spirit completely.
About the Author:
Is there a magic quit smoking pill? - read some independent reviews of zyban, chantix, hypnosis etc. Also, click here to discover the stop smoking method Darren himself used.
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This book was written from personal experience. I did acquire the habit of smoking cigarettes around age 17 due to peer influence. I did quit several times before I successfully reversed the habit at age 24, it took me less than 6 months... |
by Dana Chapman
If you are not sure whether or not a person can really quit smoking, let me promise you that anyone can do so. By deciding to stop smoking, you could live for many more years.
Here are some very important steps which have been known over time to help people quit smoking.
1. To start you will need to make up your mind and stick to the decision. If smoking is something you need to quit, once you have completed this you have now passed the most important step. Afterward, you will need to choose an exact date, then make sure you promise to stick to that specific date, making absolutely no excuses.
2. Before the actual date, take time to get rid of everything related to cigarettes. If you have ashtrays or lighters throw them out; if you have a private stash of cigarettes or tobacco, get rid of them as well. The whole concept is to eliminate smoking from your life.
With that being said, make sure to have some fun activities lined up. If you don't want to do healthy activities such as jogging or biking, try playing video games or read a book you enjoy.
3. We all know that drinking water is important, but even more so when you begin to stop smoking. If you do not like water, try some herbal tea or fruit juice instead. Sip it slowly and continuously. The goal is to distract yourself from smoking and keep your mind occupied with other matters and healthy activities.
4. Make the decision to become more active, as long as as your overall health and wellness allows it. This can mean doing little things like taking a walk around the neighborhood, or making the decision to walk up the flight of stairs rather than using the escalator or elevator. Here's is an easy step - on your next trip to the supermarket, go to the far end of the parking lot and park your car, instead of parking near the entrance. Besides making this a good quick walk to the entrance, it can possibly prevent your car from being bumped because you parked too close to someone else.
5. Be proud of your accomplishment in making this decision; think about all you are going to do. Nasty withdrawal symptoms are certain to occur, which is normal and not at all surprising. Do not allow your cravings, or times of irritability, to derail your efforts to quit. You've made the decision to stop smoking - now go through with it.
6. Change up your routine; do not go to places where you would usually go where there are cigarettes always ready and available. Do something without much thought, something that does not include smoking.
7. Stop putting it off. Don't find excuses to keep you from improving your health by quitting smoking. Each of us faces problems in our daily lives and we cope in different ways, but these should not be used as an excuse to put off your decision to quit smoking.
8. Positively reward yourself for making such as great change in your life. Since every pack of cigarettes that you do not purchase is basically extra money in your pocket, use these funds to enjoy a night out for yourself, or with a friend or a loved one. Naturally, you should select an activity that does not involve smoking.
9. Don't count on junk food to satisfy your cravings for a smoke. When we quit smoking, our hands and mouth are left without their customary activity; you can be ready for this and fix up some healthy fruit and raw vegetable snacks.
10. Keep in mind that tomorrow will be easier than today, and the next day will be even easier. If you have the urge to smoke a cigarette, keep in mind what you have to lose by smoking, and all the benefits you gain by quitting smoking.
One of the old expressions is, "today is the first day of the remainder of your life." I would like to reword this to, "today will be the first day of your life as a non-smoker, breath in deeply and love life to the fullest".
About the Author:
Do you want to quit smoking? Visit my blog quit smoking programs today for valuable free information including cancer due to smoking and much more. It is your definitive quit smoking guide!