Articles on Smoking | Topics: smoking, smokers
by Therese Underwood
One of the most difficult aspects of quitting smoking is overcoming triggers, which are certain events or situations that make you feel the desire to smoke. Identifying these triggers, and figuring out how to overcome them, is one of the primary keys to smoking cessation success.
Drinking
One common smoking trigger is drinking, whether it is coffee, alcohol, or a soft drink. To help break your self of associating drinking with smoking, try to change something about the situation. Perhaps you always drink your coffee from a certain mug. Try drinking with a different one. Or, maybe you enjoy having a beer sitting outside on the porch. Try having your drink somewhere else in order to change your surroundings. Anything you can do to change the situation will help reduce the trigger effect of drinking and smoking.
You might even consider cutting back or quit drinking alcohol altogether while you are trying to quit smoking. This is because your willpower is weakened when you drink, making it more likely you will slip up and have a cigarette.
Finishing a Meal
Many smokers get into the habit of having a cigarette after they get done eating. This eventually becomes another smoking trigger. As a result, every time you finish a meal, you feel the desire to have a cigarette. Try forming a new after eating hobby, such as going for a walk, or even a chore, such as doing the dishes. Anything to keep your mind and body occupied at that time will be a great help. Ideally, you should find another pleasurable activity to do immediately after eating so it will form a new, less destructive habit.
In the Car
Riding or driving in a car has become a popular trigger for smokers, particularly since smoking has been banned in so many other places. This has caused smokers to seek refuge, and a place to smoke, in their cars. To help with this trigger, remove all ashtrays from your vehicle. Or, fill it with something else, such as potpourri. You might even write several reasons for quitting smoking on pieces of paper and fill your ashtray with them. Try playing your favorite music and singing along instead of smoking while driving in the car.
Talking on the Phone
| Historical Quote |
I have stopped smoking now and then, for a few months at a time, but it was not on principle, it was only to show off; it was to pulverize those critics who said I was a slave to my habits and couldn’t break my bonds.
| —Mark Twain [Samuel Langhorne Clemens] (1835–1910) |
|
|
Several smokers get into the habit of having a cigarette while on the phone. This then leads to the mind associating the two tasks together. When talking on the phone, try going to a different room than usual. If this isn't a possibility, such as in the workplace, keep small objects nearby to squeeze or play with in order to keep your hands occupied.
Being Around Others Who Smoke
Being around other people who are smoking can make it especially difficult to stay away from cigarettes. This is partly due to the nicotine addiction, but it is largely due to the trigger effect of the camaraderie of smoking with other smokers. Try keeping away from designated smoking areas at work or from popular smoking gathering areas. In fact, just taking breaks at work can often trigger a desire for a cigarette. Try to spend time with people who don't smoke at this time.
Parties and other social events with people who smoke can also make it difficult to quit smoking. Of course, it is ludicrous to expect yourself to avoid these events. But, you should avoid going outside with your friends when they have a cigarette. If smoking is permitted inside, or if it is an outdoor party, try to keep some distance from people when they are smoking.
Other Reasons
Other common smoking triggers include: stress, sex, boredom, end of the workday, crisis, a sense of accomplishment, playing cards, reading, waiting, watching television, and getting out of bed. If any of these are triggers for you, do whatever you can to change the scenario in some way to lessen the trigger effect. For example, instead of rewarding yourself with a cigarette, try rewarding yourself with a bubble bath or something else that is pleasurable to you. When going through a stressful situation or a crisis, reach out to friends and family to provide emotional support rather than reaching out for a pack of cigarettes. When watching television, keep your hands busy with something else or chew on something to satisfy your oral fixation.
|
We strive to provide
only the finest articles on our website. If
there is a specific topic about smoking that you do not see but would like us to cover, please contact us here.
Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Identify Smoking Triggers and Nip Them in the Butt" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by HealthExerciseSports.com. |
Taking Care of Halitosis on Your Own – A Few Helpful Hints to Try
By Rosemary Whitley
Have you ever wondered about the odor escaping from your mouth? Everyone from time to time has experienced halitosis (bad breath) and the embarrassment that accompanies it. There are many different causes for halitosis (bad breath)....
Golf Magazine
By Jonathan McDaniel
Sports Illustrated publishes the monthly glossy bible for golfers, known simply as Golf Magazine. It is entertaining and informative and golfers of all ability levels look forward to each edition....
Window Shopping is a Competitive Sport – The Ins and Outs of Mall Walking
By Bonita Levy
Thirty minutes of brisk walking per day is not only enough to help you feel better, it is enough to prevent obesity and a host of other diseases. Walking is beneficial as a form of exercise....
Left Handed Baseball Gloves
By Marvin Underwood
People who are left-handed have many challenges to face. Whether it comes to gadgets like scissors or items like can openers, southpaws are often neglected....
Discount Golf Clubs
By Ida Irwin
Many of us love the idea of taking up the game of golf but few of us like the idea of making a big investment in the activity. Fortunately, discount golf clubs are available to anyone interested in getting started in this favorite pastime....
|
