How to Stop Smoking in 7-14 Days
New Year is coming up fast, folks, and those of you who smoke may want to make 2010 THE YEAR you do something really good for yourself and STOP SMOKING!
Help is at hand with these very useful tips:
Tip 1 Motivation to change is the best predictor we of success. If you want to increase your motivation, write down the pro's and con's for remaining a smoker and for becoming a non-smoker. Read this list often. Take the Motivation Test at this website.
Tip 2 Write down the five main reasons you want to stop smoking on a postcard. Put this list where ever you used to smoke. This will increase the chance that you will resist the temptation to light up.
Tip 3 Cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke GRADUALLY over the next 7 to 14 days, until you reach your QUIT DATE. Your body will thank you for withdrawing the nicotine slowly, instead of gong cold turkey all at once. You’ll be much less likely to suffer withdrawal effects and will thus be much more likely to be successful in your goal of becoming a permanent nonsmoker.
Tip 4 Think of urges to smoke as temporary and as evidence that your body is adjusting to having less nicotine. This is a much better way to think about temptation. Tell yourself that the urge will pass, and distract yourself for a little while with doing something else, such as exercising, or, drinking water.
Tip 5 Change brands every few days or roll your own. This gets you used to the idea that change is possible, and rolling your own cigarettes is such a pain that the enjoyment of smoking will start to fade.
Tip 6 Put $5/pack in a plastic container for every day that you do not smoke one pack of cigarettes and decide on what to buy with the money.
Tip 7 Identify triggers to smoking and avoid them until you reach your quit date. These can be places or people.
Tip 8 If you smoke to relax, or need some extra help, see a psychologist for a session or two of hypnosis. The cost will soon be offset by the cigarettes that you will not be buying in future.
Give me a call to schedule an appointment if you need extra help.