"I really liked your explanation
of habits and the subconscious mind. You reinforced
my belief that how
I talk to myself with a positive attitude influences
me
to make positive choices."
--
Diane Nelson, Micco, FL
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Smoking was just a habit. It’s easy to substitute better
habits. Which of these tips will be helpful as you become a Non-Smoker?
1. Break the past associations of places and events with smoking, such as:
- Getting up in the morning: change the habit. For example, take a walk instead
of sitting on the porch. Drink coffee in a different chair.
- Taking a break: change the habit. Relax in a different place, drink water,
exercise, read, enjoy slow relaxing breaths.
- The phone: talk in a different room, let your fingers play with something,
breathe!
- The car: get that car really clean-smelling, listen
to CD’s, drink refreshing
water, use low-calorie substitutes.
- After a meal: get up from the table, enjoy a mint, brush your teeth.
- Alcohol: for a few weeks choose not to drink in a place that allows smoking.
And wisely know ahead of time that excessive alcohol can ruin the best
of intentions!
2. Have something else to put in your mouth.
We are like babies—putting something in our mouths makes us feel better.
Plan in advance and have something low calorie immediately available. For example,
refreshing water, pieces of fruit or carrot sticks, pretzel sticks, gum, hard
candy (in small amounts).
3. Get rid of all visual triggers for smoking.
The ashtrays, lighters, and of course ALL cigarettes! If you are keeping a
few around “just in case”, you are planning for failure. Don’t
you really want success? Plan for it.
4. Ask for help from those who care.
If someone else in the house smokes, could you ask them to please smoke outside?
Second hand smoke is lousy too! Co-workers might also understand if you don’t
smoke with them. You are not criticizing anyone else for smoking—that
is their decision. You are simply taking good care of yourself. (And they will
learn something positive from your example.)
5. Do stress-reduction techniques that work for you.
What has worked in the past? Exercise, reading, crafts, nature, calling a
friend, a bath? What can you learn now? Yoga, meditation, breathing techniques
(on Dr. Doner’s CD)? You will be even more relaxed as a Non-Smoker.
6. Program your Sub-Conscious Mind for success.
It kept you smoking but now is your greatest ally. Remind yourself of all
the reasons you choose to be Smoke-Free. Put post-it notes around the house.
Loudly in your mind declare your new identity—“I am a Non-Smoker
Clean-Air Breather! I am Smoke-Free!” As you practice this daily as a
form of self-hypnosis and whenever temptation arises, being Smoke-Free becomes
a new habit. And the only habit harder to break than an old habit is a new
habit that feels great!
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