This might not translate but.....

[Rainbowlilybet]

I've been helping some people tonight on a Self Harm forum and have spent hours talking them through distraction techniques. Basically these are activities which substitute self harm behaviour and are chosen depending on what emotion the person are feeling.

Made me think though, could we use the same techniques to stop smoking?

I'll post them below if any of you guys fancied having a look

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER]

Letting it out PHYSICALLY • Scream as loud as you can • HIT a cushion / punch bag / throw a cushion against a wall • Smash a water melon • Kick a football against a wall • Squeeze ice really hard • Squeeze a stress ball • Tear up a newspaper/phone directory • Play loud music and dance energetically – be as wild as you like • Spend some energy - go for a walk/swim/go to the gym/ride a bike/go running

Trying to work out how you’re feeling… • Ask yourself “Do I feel ANGRY?’ ‘Do I feel anxious?’ ‘What about?’ • Ask yourself ‘What would the cigarette say if it could talk to me?’ • Write a letter to someone you’re angry with (hurt by etc.) saying how you feel (No need to send it.) • Write a list of your achievements • Write a letter to yourself saying ‘I love YOU because….’ • Make a list of things you’re thankful for • Make a wish list Talking about it…. • Talk to a friend •

Using your Creativity • Draw / paint / collage / paper mache / finger paint / sculpt in clay - to express what you want to do or what you are feeling • Write a poem / story / song / joke / autobiography / parody / musical • Write a DIARY / journal or read old diaries (unless there might be triggers) • Go to myspace.com and write an online journal • Scribble a word again and again to say how you’re feeling e.g. ‘lonely’, ‘angry’ • Deface a magazine (preferably your own) • Paint with red paint using your fingers • Draw yourself in MS office • Write a message in a self-harm newsgroup on the internet • Take some photos • Play an instrument / Sing to music as LOUD as you can • Put on music which expresses how you are feeling • Write out the soundtrack to your life if it were a film • Imagine a colour which expresses your feelings then change it in your mind to another colour • Make a memory box / scrapbook • Write an alternative ending to a story • Watch a foreign language channel and make up your own interpretations • Create your own cartoon characters / legends • Create a SECRET CODE

Comforting Yourself… • Have a bath or shower• Stay in bed • Use aromatherapy oils • Eat chocolate (or whatever) • Have an ‘emergency box’ with whatever helps you cope • Buy something special • Massage your hands / arms / feet • Stroke a pet / cuddle a teddy • Ask a friend to hold you• Paint your nails / Have your hair done • Have a cup of tea• Rock / hug yourself • Give yourself a henna tattoo • Meditate / yoga

DISTRACTING yourself Leisure Activities • Watch television / video / DVD • Play on a computer • Go on the internet• Learn a new skill (juggling / making balloon animals) • Do puzzles / play chess / make your own puzzles • Origami / Scobidous / make jewellery • Sew / knit • Go through a photo album • Design a dream house • Have a debate • Build a card house • Make a paper chain of the days its been since you last cut (add a new one every day) • Find out how to put 8 queens on a chessboard without any of them being able to kill each other (There are 92 possible ways to do this) • Make a T-shirt • Look for pictures in the clouds

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT…….. 1. Sweep the path 2. Wash your car3. Do some gardening 4. Go for a drive 5. Go to an arcade or playground 6. Make a kite/fly a kite 7. Get on a train and go to the sea8. Look at constellations Being Productive…….. .1. Catch up on DIY / housework 2. Cook/bake something 3. Have a clear out – give your old stuff to charity 4. Re-arrange your room/decorate 5. Read/study 6. Give your pets a bath7. Volunteer somewhere 8. Join a class

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

I realise this might be totally irrelevant

[Hidden]

Love the idea of writing down what a cigarette might say (if it could speak). I bet the results would be pretty creepy......I bet it would wear a raincoat. Thinking about this could keep me amused for a while.

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to Hidden]

Lol. You would have to give it a voice too. I'm thinking gruff London male. Kinda Frank Butcher

[andi22]

I think we've done / advised on doing any / all of these things over time - they really do help. Nice to see them all written down in one place. Among the favourites are:-

Shouting, writing (as in posting on the Daily Chat or a new blog), cleaning and exercise.

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER in reply to andi22]

I was with you till the exercise bit

[monky Administrator 45 Months Cake sniffer outer in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Flippin wimp

[yellowsnowdrop]

Like Andi says,it's good to see it all in one place & especially good for those who are just starting their smoke free journey.Thanx Ellie,as always you're a superstar.

[monky Administrator 45 Months Cake sniffer outer]

I'm sorry I havnt replied earlier Ellie, but have had only a few minutes each time I've logged on today

But have read your comment now, and like the gals have said, its just flippin ace gal

Thankyou, thankyou, for posting it Like Helen as just said, your a superstar gal

[Rainbowlilybet 9 MONTH WINNER]

Thanks guys. I wasn't sure if it would be suitable or not and had to take out a few things that were specific to self harm. Also deleted 'smoke a cigarette'

[monky Administrator 45 Months Cake sniffer outer in reply to Rainbowlilybet]

Ha ha ha, nice one gal as in deleting the ciggie bit eh