Post by judyb on May 22, 2004 8:37:30 GMT -5
Ask yourself why in the world you'd want to smoke.
take a nap
go for a walk
push those cravings OUT of your mind.
Find a mantra that works for you
* Smoking is not an option
* No one ever died from a craving
* Smoking will not change a situation
* One puff away from a pack a day
Cravings will pass, but they can be a bi*ch to
deal with during the few minutes they are there, huh?
Smoking was a familiar part of your familiar surroundings,
as it was for all of us. There's comfort in familiar
things, but it's time to make some changes if the triggers
are constantly on your mind. Change as many of your
routines at home as you can get away with. Have breakfast
in the bathroom, sit on the floor to watch tv., read a book
in bed, take your shower before dinner, sleep on the couch,
sit on the counter for lunch... I think you get the idea
here! Anything you might have associated with smoking
needs to be re-thought and changed if possible. Later, you
might be able to do things the old way...then again, maybe
not.
Stay strong!
posted by Dot
a guy from the other board used to
stand on his head when he got craves! He said it worked,
sent all the blood rushing to his head! Seriously,
everything they all said above, find something to do. I
brush my teeth a lot, it keeps me busy for a few minutes
and takes that "crave taste" away. Grab a big bottle of
water and every time you crave, swig that H2O. Fresh air
is good too, go walking, even if it's just around and
around your house. I do that alot, thank goodness I have no
neighbors, they would surely think I had lost my mind!
These craves will pass. Think about all the time you have
now of not smoking those nasty things. Think about how nice
it's been not to be chained to that addiction for 2 weeks.
Look at your skin, it probably looks better and feels
softer, mine does! Look at your fingernails, are they
looking better? Mine are, they are actually growing! More
oxygen I guess. Think of all the good things that have
happened, don't think about any good things with smoking,
cause there is no such thing! It's all bad! Go over your
reasons to quit again. Rewrite them. If you get to the
point where you are about to lite up, before you do, sit
down and write a letter to Mr. Pooky telling him why you
love smoking more than him and are willing to die for it.
Appeal to your higher power for strength, turn it over to
your faith and trust that it will be taken care of if you
really want it to be.
I grab a bottle of water.
It helps. I don't think there
is an easy way, I'm going to feel some discomfort. I get up
every day and surrender my will to smoke. Hang in there.
posted by MaryKat
It's your addiction. Of course you want to rid yourself of
the habit....and, you will.
One thing that has stuck with me is...you need to want to
stop smoking MORE than you want to smoke. As long as the
want to smoke is greater, even a little, it's gonna get
ya every time.
I had many false starts!
Lots of us have.
Keep trying.
Figure out what you need to do to win!
If ONE person can do it, then it can be done!!
posted by Robyn
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
from quitnet
"As a man thinketh, so is he" . . .
franci on 06/03/1999 11:59:05
. . . I just read Shad Helmstetter's book on positive self-talk over the week-end. Although this
book is somewhat dated, the message is strong. Next time you're having a craving or difficult
time with anything pay close attention to your thoughts. Then make every effort to tell
yourself the opposite, or only positive messages in the present tense. This takes practice,
you'll feel silly and won't believe it right away, but it will work if you keep at it. The whole
notion is to re-program our learned tendencies for negative thinking into positive. Example: "I
can't do this, I really want a smoke" stop yourself before it becomes obsessing and think "I
don't smoke, I quit, I am a non-smoker, I am strong, I am relaxed, etc., etc." The book even
suggests writing out positive messages on index cards to read or recording on tapes to listen
to, even for those you haven't quit yet to help get in the right frame of mind.
Here are some more messages from the book "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself":
- I do not smoke. My lungs are strong and healthy. I am able to breathe deeply and fully.
- Taking care of myself physically is important to me. I like keeping myself fit and feeling
good.
- I am a non-smoker. I am proud of myself.
- I have more energy and stamina than ever before. I enjoy life and I'm glad to be here.
- When I see a cigarette, or even think of one, I automaticallly hear the words, "I do not smoke"
and I don't.
- I have no habits which control or influence me in any harmful way. I am in control of myself
and everything I do. I always do what is best for me and my future.
- I really enjoy breathing clean, fresh air, being healthy, and being in complete control of my
body and my mind.
- I am able to achieve any goal which I set for myself. I see, in my mind, a clear picture of
myself having already accomplished my goal. I create it, I see it often, and I achieve it.
- I keep myself fit and healthy. I am enjoying a lifetime of energy and vitality.
- All of my senses are clear and alive. My sight, my sense of smell, my hearing, my tasting, and
even my touch are more alive than ever before.
- I do not see smoking as being strong, intelligent, or glamorous in any way. I see it for what it
really is, and it has no place in my life.
- I give myself permission to relax, feel good, breathe deeply and fully, and enjoy being a
healthy non-smoker at all times and in all circumstances.
-Being a non-smoker is easy for me. After all, I was born that way. It is the natural thing for
me to do.
What have you got to lose?