LIFE WITHOUT SMOKING: STAYING OFF CIGARETTES
The first day - or even week or month - may turn out to be quite easy. But what about the long years ahead? How can you remain an ex-smoker?
One strategy to help you stay stopped is to build some kind of incentive scheme into the whole business of changing your habits. You might, for example, enter into an anti-smoking pact with another smoker so that you reinforce each other's determination.
Here is a five-point plan to help you stay stopped:
- The first six to twelve months are the most critical period. You must remain on guard during that time. Afterwards you will have a far greater degree of control.
- Avoid situations that are stressful or anger-making, or better still have an armoury of anti-stress measures such as one of relaxation techniques ready to use at crisis points.
- Don't fool yourself that you can try just one cigarette without being hooked, or that you should have one for old time's sake. Don't use tenuous rationalizations such as 'smoking will keep my weight down'. If you are overweight, try a safer method of slimming.
- Spoil yourself by reminding yourself how much healthier, wealthier and self-disciplined you have become. To kick a long-term habit is some achievement, so glory in it from time to time!
- You may wish to try anti-smoking aids such as nicotine gum (this should be done under medical advice) or anti-smoking self-help groups. You could also try acupuncture, if you feel like experimenting with something exotic, or hypnotism (making sure that the practitioner is properly qualified). Anti-smoking clinics run by health departments also exist in some areas.
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