With so much emphasis on health and wellness these days, anyone who is a smoker or tobacco user has probably been under pressure to quit now more than ever before. Smokers already know the health risks involved, so why is anyone still smoking?
There are no doubt many reasons that smokers give for not giving up the habit. “I am under so much stress these days with my family and work and the economy”, “I need something to do with my hands”, “I have no willpower”, “I smoke because I am bored”, ”I have smoked for 30 years”, and so on.
But what is the real reason? Is it fear of gaining weight, fear of failure, fear of success? Denial – “I am young, I don’t have to worry about the effects from smoking for years.” Is it a type of rebellion because you hate being TOLD that you “should” quit? People usually do not like being told they HAVE to do something. We would rather choose to make our own decisions – do it ON OUR OWN TERMS.
Perhaps you are thinking about quitting, but have reservations. Many have tried and failed, but just as many have tried and succeeded! Many people have tried more than once and may not have been successful at first, but kept trying and succeeded. Why is that? Are they weak? Not at all! Those people who tried the first time and failed learned something that helped them quit for good the next time around, so never give up on yourself!
Those who have succeeded in quitting often say the same thing – “I just decided in my mind that I was going to do it”. That’s the key – once YOU DECIDE IN YOUR MIND that you quit for good and you choose to be a non-smoker for your own reasons, that is literally half the battle.
Hypnosis can help you decide in your mind to stop “smoky thinking”, as well as help you gain confidence to get past any hurdles or blocks and reach your goal to quit smoking. Used alone or with other stop-smoking aids, hypnotherapy can increase the odds that you will become, now and forever, a non-smoker!
So, when you are ready, take some time to really think about it and even write down the reasons why you smoke and when you have ”trigger” times (with morning coffee, after a meal, etc.).
Then, list the reasons why YOU WANT TO QUIT SMOKING - not because you feel like you HAVE TO (your family or doctor keeps nagging you or your place of employment is banning smoking on premises). The reasons are different for everyone, but here are a few that might come to mind - save money for something special (like a vacation), be around long enough to see children grow up, feel more socially acceptable, keep from getting premature wrinkles, etc.
Choose something that you can do INSTEAD of smoking, especially during trigger times, something that uses your hands for a different purpose than holding a cigarette. Some suggestions might be doing something with your family, exercising, cleaning, taking up some type of craft or hobby, using a plastic straw instead of a real cigarette - there are so many from which to choose! Be creative!
Tell your family and friends that you are quitting and set a quit date. Their encouragement and support can be a big boost to your confidence.
Consider joining a smoking cessation program. Many companies are offering them free for their employees, and even allow them to attend on company time! Being around others who have recently quit smoking helps you to realize that you are not alone and provides group support in the decision to be free from smoking.
Check out some web sites, like smokefree.gov, helpguide.org, or healthline.com, for lots more smoking cessation information and tips for success, including hypnosis!
