In the past, as a smoker, you have often solved everything with a cigarette. Happy, mad, or sad. But now you know the toll this choice has madeon your body and your life. You’ve made a sound decision to stop but it is not going to be easy. Better to know what is ahead and how to handle it.
Stress: This is mental, physical and emotional strain we feel caused by anxiety or over-work. This can cause depression or raised blood pressure. In the past you went and had a cigarette. Now you need to re-evaluate this and know what triggers you.
This article is second in my series and can be helpful to you.
Urges: An urge is an inner drive forcing someone to do something. They can take you by surprise. In the past you had a cigarette.
Successful recovery is committing to no more smoking, and learning how to respond more appropriately to urges and understand the
message behind the urge to smoke. What is happening when you get this urge? You know how you have responded in the past but what is
the more appropriate response? Are you tired, angry, hungry or lonely? Depending on the answer you need to perhaps go talk to a friend,
have a snack, take a walk or do some breathing exercises. Find what works for you!
Be patient with yourself. Take it a day at a time. Set some fun goals in your life so you have something else to think about.
And remember:
- Don’t Smoke! Not even one. Just like any addict you must remember that there is no room in quitting for just one more.
- Make it your number one goal to not smoke.
- Ask for help and support from your doctor, smoke coach, or friends and family. (1-800-QuitNow is a great reference for you)
- Keep taking any medications you have gone on. Talk to your doctor or smoke coach if you are having any reactions or side-effects.
- Limit alcohol- It’s a good idea to drink very little during the first several months. Drinking seems to bring on the urge to smoke.
- Stay away from people who smoke. Make sure everyone knows that you are quitting. This may be a place where you will need to use your coping skills.
- Avoid high risk situations. If there are any places that may make you want to smoke you will want to stay away from these places.
- Learn from the past. Why did you start up smoking again? Learn from this and don’t let it happen again.