Three tips for New Year Quitters.
1. Motivation.
Your reasons for giving up must originate from you. 'My partner says...... or My doctor says.....' are not the same as 'I'm sick of coughing....... or I hate being a slave to it.....' the difference may appear subtle, but I'll guarantee, nicotine knows the difference.
Understand that the benefits of smoking always seem miles away. A bit like a 'carrot and stick' game but without the carrots. You are 'giving up' something after all. Be prepared for how this feels.
2. Triggers.
You should have a healthy respect for these. At first they'll seem all powerful because the body is still re-calibrating and the mind is unsure how your body will react. Be prepared for unusual sensations and emotions. Have a back up plan – like chocolate or gum or running away. If neither is possible, then you'll get tested. Whatever happens, don't put anything stupid in your mouth and you'll be fine.
3. Choice.
Your mind and your chemistry will tell you daft nonsense. They'll make up fantasmagorical stories - go to any extreme to 'get some good stuff.' Be prepared for this. But also remember, every time you feel odd and a craving develops, it's you who chooses whether to smoke or whether to be proud. Initially, you'll have to make the choice quite often. So just keep on choosing.
Finally, it's important to understand that giving up smoking is a process.
Your chemistry has to sort itself and your mind has to do a bit of rewiring. Once these two things happen, your sense of self will adjust and you will not be so vulnerable to triggers. As a result, you will not need to fend off cravings so regularly. This in turn leads to more rewiring and a more robust non smoking personality. And so the effect snowballs; and snow on and snow forth – if you get my drift :p.
Each time you say 'no' to nicotine, you go a little further along with the process. So be patient with yourself – remember your motivation, respect your triggers, don't put anything stupid in your mouth and just keep choosing.
Good luck & best wishes
PJ