*Updated 12/13/2021*
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions people make is to quit smoking. It is also one that people make many years in a row. Imagine not having to make this resolution next year?
I have said it before, I do not like new year’s resolutions, however, using the new year as a starting point to help create lasting change can be a really great idea, if done correctly. One of the most common things I get contacted about is quitting smoking. It also has the lowest success rate in the hypnosis world. The good news is, there are things that you can do to help ensure that you are a success.
Here is a list of things that you can start doing before you even call for an appointment.
1. Pay really close attention to your smoking habit. This can include keeping a journal. Pay attention to when, why and how you feel when you smoke. Also pay attention to who is with you.
2. Think about other things that you enjoy doing. Come in with a list of things that you enjoy doing or things you would be able to put in place of smoking. So much of smoking is habit and replacing smoking with something else can be a really helpful tool. You know yourself best so being prepared with some things you already do to share with your hypnotherapist.
3. Talk to your loved ones about being supportive A lot of time, loved ones think they are being helpful but they can cause harm by the things they say and the way they say them. For example, if they see you smoking when you are in the process of quitting, they might say something such as “I thought you were quitting” or “How many cigarettes is that today?” This can actually cause someone to stop quitting. Having someone congratulate you for not smoking or even not saying anything at all, can be way more beneficial.
4. Be prepared for quitting to be a process Most likely you didn’t start smoking yesterday so expecting to quit smoking after one day seems a bit unreasonable. It is a process and a journey. Try not to put a timeline on yourself (for example: I will quit smoking by Valentine’s day”) Congratulate yourself on the small steps but don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel your progress should be faster.
Other things to consider:
A lot of smoking has to do with habit and ritual. Sometimes the key to quitting is the first step listed above. Paying attention to everything having to do with smoking is the most important thing you can do. If you stop at the same gas station every day to buy cigarettes, that is part of your ritual. You might have made friends with the cashiers or other daily patrons.
Many clients I see talk about how smoking gives them that break they need. Really think about what other things you can do to get that break. It is a sad fact that most jobs recognize smoke breaks but not other breaks as much. You might need to discuss this issue with your boss to see what options you have.
Another issue is that a great deal of smokers smoke with certain people or doing certain activities. This can be a huge reason why people don’t quit but there are ways around this as well. The more you can pay attention to these issues, the more I can help you overcome them.
Think about what it is that you dislike about smoking. Make a list of all the negatives and post them where you smoke. Remind yourself about the things you hate about it.
Money is a huge factor for a lot of smokers. Figure out how much money you spend on smoking. Add into it any additional costs you occur from smoking (breath mints, lighters, hand sanitizer, etc.) Think about what you could be doing with this money. It is often helpful to make a plan about what to do with the money you won’t be spending on smoking. Do you want to go on a trip? Maybe treat yourself to an expensive outfit you’ve wanted or maybe just put it into savings and think of the extra comfort you will get knowing it is there.
The most important thing you can do, no matter how many times you have tried to quit in the past, is to tell yourself that you WILL quit. The truth is, each and every person has the ability to quit. If you feel like it is time to quit or to talk more about this subject, contact me at Becka@tenderempowerment.com today!
