Articles on Smoking | Topics: smoking, smokers
by Orville Newton
A new year has begun and you are ready to make good on that promise of all promises: you will finally quit smoking. Or perhaps you are expecting a new addition to the family and there is no time like the present to get rid of that unhealthy habit. Whatever your motivation may be, quitting cigarettes or any other tobacco product will quite possibly be the most far-reaching decision you are making. It will improve your overall health, reduce your risk for many illnesses, improve your outward appearance, and even save you a lot of money!
No matter what your resolve, the biggest issue to deal with at this time is that of the smoking temptations in your life. Quitting nicotine is not an easy process, and even though many have done so, each one will be able to testify to the enormous difficulty and even adversity they had to overcome to make their resolve permanent. Here are ten ways to get rid of smoking temptations in your life:
When you decide to quit, get rid of all smoking related paraphernalia. Toss out your lighters, crumple up and throw away your cigarettes, and give away your ashtray collection. Do not keep anything inside the house that you use for smoking. Be certain to clean out all areas that may hold some stray cigarettes, such as the glove compartment of your car, your desk at work, or your purse and jacket.
When taking a break at work, is may have become an ingrained habit to go outside for a smoke with your coworkers. It is time to come up with a new and equally enjoyable routine that incorporates the interactions with coworkers while staying far away from the smoke and cigarettes. Perhaps make new acquaintances in the break room with your non-smoking coworkers. Or perhaps this will be a great time for a quick and refreshing walk around the block to stretch a little bit and to take some deep breaths. You may also want to consider taking up crossword puzzles, as they will occupy you and may take away the temptation to reach for a cigarette.
While watching TV, many experience extraordinary cravings due to the ingrained habit of kicking back, watching an enjoyable program, and smoking. While it would be easy to suggest simply getting out and taking a walk, in and of itself this is not a realistic idea for every time you are sitting down in front of the tube. Instead, take up a new hobby, such as knitting, that will occupy your hands while you watch TV. Small quantities of unshelled sunflower seeds or pistachio nuts will also help to assuage the behavioral cravings.
Avoid locations that you associate with smoking, such as the local bar, the smoking section of your favorite restaurant, or the area in front of the pro-shop at your golf course. Find new hangouts.
If you feel vulnerable, avoid people who smoke. While you will come across the occasional smoker and will most likely be able to withstand the temptation, it is imperative to avoid the big events that draw many smokers.
| Historical Quote |
The Germans are the most philosophic people in the world, and the greatest smokers: now I trace their philosophy to their smoking.... Smoking has a sedative effect upon the nerves, and enables a man to bear the sorrows of this life (of which every one has his share)Dying smokers sense
Walking towards them through some dappled park
As if on water that unfocused she
No match lit up, nor drag ever brought near....
| —Philip Larkin (1922–1986) |
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Mimic responses to common questions and suggestions. You role-play with your children to help them deal with certain situations, and the same works for you. Practice saying "no thanks" in front of the mirror. Practice saying "no thank you, I quit." Don't be shy about communicating your resolve.
Involve your friends and families to help you quit. They will be able to help you cope with temptations, and may even be able to eliminate some of them.
Change your peer group. If all else fails, and your friends will not support you in your decision and perhaps even try to tempt you with cigarettes, it is time to make some new friends.
Consistently remind yourself of the reasons for quitting.
Reward yourself for your resolve by spending the money you have saved by not buying cigarettes on something special just for you.
While these ideas may not guarantee that you will never again face a temptation in your life to light up, they do help you to let go of many of the habits that form around the actual activity of smoking. Stay firm and good luck!
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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Ten Ways to Get Rid of Smoking Temptations in Your Life" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by HealthExerciseSports.com. |
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