Health Tips

You have been charting your course to becoming a non smoker, and you now realize that it’s important to know how to stay smoke-free for good after quitting.  You are not alone.  Many people have tried quitting numerous times, only to take up the habit again later.  There are some things that you can take note of that will help you to stay smoke-free.

* Be aware of your triggers.  These are situations or events that cue you to light up.  For example, times when you would normally light up are when you wake up in the morning, take a work break, talk on the phone, or after dinner. Identifying the triggers that bring on your strongest urges will help you to prevent any relapse after you have quit smoking.  Make a list of those triggers that you have the most difficulty with, and plan out what you will do to avoid the urge to smoke, such as taking a walk, sucking on a mint, talking to someone, or even just going someplace new that you’ve never been.
* Remember, if you have a slip, that doesn’t mean you have failed.  What is important is that you get right back on track.  Nicotine is a powerful and very addictive drug, and it is not easily defeated.  It is not uncommon for many people to fail at it, however you won’t fail if you keep on trying.  Take it easy on yourself.  Remember to be your own best friend, especially when you are trying to make such an important life change.  Evaluate what caused you to slip, and see what you might need to change or adjust to stop it from happening again.
* Rethink who you are.  Begin to think of yourself as a nonsmoker, or perhaps ex smoker.  Think about what life will be like when you no longer have to shell out good money for something that is not all that good for you.  Imagine no smell of smoke in your car, your hair, your clothes and your home. Be positive in your thinking.  Tell yourself that your are a successful quitter and that you will enjoy the journey.
* Take stock of all the ways that your life has improved since you laid the cigarettes down.  Make a list such as better breathing, improved sense of smell, tasting your food more, etc.  Focusing on the positive, rather than the negative, will go a long way to keeping you smoke free.

There are many people who have been successful at stopping smoking.  You had a positive mindset when you started becoming smoke-free, and it is that same positive mindset that will keep you going. Once you get past the cravings, the remainder of your battles will be mental, and habitual.  We are all creatures of habit, and stopping smoking is only part of becoming a nonsmoker.  The other part, the major part, is behavior modification.  Become a student of yourself, and you will start to notice even more than before, what “makes you tick”.  It is this knowledge that can help you to remain smoke free for the rest of your life.