Before you reach your quit date, try to under... - Quit Support

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Before you reach your quit date, try to understand what part of smoking actually satisfies you....

EmJay profile image
EmJayPartner
4 Replies

Quite often, when somebody decides that they would like to give up smoking, they jump straight in at the deep end without giving much thought, if any - to what part of smoking they feel they will actually miss when quitting.

It is quite useful to try and understand what it is that you think you enjoy about smoking, both physically and mentally. Here is a simple thought provoking exercise to try before your quit date;

1. Don't worry about stopping smoking but become really aware of each cigarette or roll up that you smoke and the whole process of smoking each individual one. What do you believe you really enjoy about it? Is it the making the roll up, getting the cigarette out of the packet, puffing the cigarette in or blowing it out?

2. Next, again without trying to stop, try and go for as long as you can without smoking. However when you feel that the craving is too much, really think about what it is that you are feeling... Does it feel physical? Is it in your tummy? In your chest? Does your mouth water? Does it feel more in your mind? Like you can't concentrate? Feeling a bit tense? Upset?

3. When you feel that you can't take any more of this awful feeling, go and get your cigarettes.

4. Notice at which point any part of this action takes that awful feeling away. You may feel better once you pick up your cigarette packet... without even having to light your cigarette. The feeling may go when you take the first puff in, maybe when you blow it out. The feeling may not even go until you have finished smoking and put your cigarette out.

Only you are able to recognise and answer any of the above for yourself then you can work on the next step of moving towards your quit date.

The key to successfully stop smoking and staying stopped, is all in the thinking, planning and preparing beforehand.

You really can do this, so let’s start by taking just one step at a time :-)

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EmJay profile image
EmJay
Partner
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4 Replies
cleopetra profile image
cleopetra2 YEAR WINNER

Hi EmJay,

I very much agree with what is said here. I had subconsciously worked out what I really needed from smoking before I eventually found a good substitute for that need and I believe that it is for that reason that I've been successful in giving up smoking.

Sally :)

piglet98 profile image
piglet98

Hi Emjay

I never really thought about it like that before . I'm on week 11 now and found that by using the stop smoking service at my GPs and being prescribed champix helped for quitting this time I think it was knowing that I had somebody to support me helped me to not give in giving up .

Kate :)

EmJay profile image
EmJayPartner

Hi Kate,

having as much support in whatever way you can get it will increase your chances of staying stopped :-)

:-) By accessing a service such as your local stop smoking service or here on Quit Support, then you are 4 times more likely to stay stopped.

:-) Stop for at least 28 days in a row increases your chances further.

:-) The more support, the better the chances

Planning beforehand is also key to a successful quit :-)

EmJay profile image
EmJayPartner

**Bumped up for newer members :D :D

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