Post by Ann on May 21, 2004 12:48:51 GMT -5
Stress can be handled in ways other than having a cigarette. If you are
concerned about your weight, try to stick to a balanced and nutritious
diet.
When things get tense:
Here are some ways to relax that only take a few minutes.
For immediate relief, try this exercise as soon as you feel an increase in
stress:
Imagine yourself smiling. Say to yourself,
"Alert mind, calm body."
Inhale an easy, natural breath.
As you breathe out, relax your muscles - first your face,
then your shoulders, they try to relax all the way down to your toes.
Breathe deeply using this exercise:
Stand in a comfortable position,
close your eyes and relax your arms, shoulders
and the rest of your body.
Breathe in and push your stomach out.
Slowly breathe out saying the word "relax" to yourself.
Repeat these steps as many times as you like.
Tense and relax your body like this:
Lie down or sit in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Tighten your feet and toes, hold them tight for about three seconds, then
relax them.
Repeat this exercise for muscles between your knees and feet,
then with your thighs, stomach muscles and chest.
Move the tensing and relaxing up through your hands,
forearms and shoulders.
Repeat it using your neck, jaw, mouth, face and scalp muscles.
When you have tensed and relaxed your whole body wait a few moments and
then slowly open your eyes.
Coping with setbacks:
Remember, every craving only lasts a few minutes and you can fight it off
with the 4 Ds.
DELAY: Delay having a cigarette for at least five minutes, the urge will
pass.
DRINK WATER: Take some time out, sip slowly.
DEEP BREATHE: Breathe slowly and deeply.
DO SOMETHING ELSE: Keep your hands busy. If you do have a cigarette it's
not the end of your quit attempt. A slip-up is a setback, not a defeat.
Think of how long you've been without a cigarette. Say to yourself "I am
still determined to give up. I have only slipped up once." Go back to your
reasons for stopping and renew your determination to succeed
Found on Quitnet
concerned about your weight, try to stick to a balanced and nutritious
diet.
When things get tense:
Here are some ways to relax that only take a few minutes.
For immediate relief, try this exercise as soon as you feel an increase in
stress:
Imagine yourself smiling. Say to yourself,
"Alert mind, calm body."
Inhale an easy, natural breath.
As you breathe out, relax your muscles - first your face,
then your shoulders, they try to relax all the way down to your toes.
Breathe deeply using this exercise:
Stand in a comfortable position,
close your eyes and relax your arms, shoulders
and the rest of your body.
Breathe in and push your stomach out.
Slowly breathe out saying the word "relax" to yourself.
Repeat these steps as many times as you like.
Tense and relax your body like this:
Lie down or sit in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Tighten your feet and toes, hold them tight for about three seconds, then
relax them.
Repeat this exercise for muscles between your knees and feet,
then with your thighs, stomach muscles and chest.
Move the tensing and relaxing up through your hands,
forearms and shoulders.
Repeat it using your neck, jaw, mouth, face and scalp muscles.
When you have tensed and relaxed your whole body wait a few moments and
then slowly open your eyes.
Coping with setbacks:
Remember, every craving only lasts a few minutes and you can fight it off
with the 4 Ds.
DELAY: Delay having a cigarette for at least five minutes, the urge will
pass.
DRINK WATER: Take some time out, sip slowly.
DEEP BREATHE: Breathe slowly and deeply.
DO SOMETHING ELSE: Keep your hands busy. If you do have a cigarette it's
not the end of your quit attempt. A slip-up is a setback, not a defeat.
Think of how long you've been without a cigarette. Say to yourself "I am
still determined to give up. I have only slipped up once." Go back to your
reasons for stopping and renew your determination to succeed
Found on Quitnet