Do you find that you often ask yourself these questions?
- How will stopping smoking help me feel better?
- What is it that I value about not smoking?
The decision to stop smoking is a single act of will while being a non-smoker is a series of actions over time to create a new behaviour that allows the individual to control the impulses that make them crave a cigarette and ultimately no longer think about smoking in this way.
Are You A Smoker Or A Person Who Smokes?
Does your limiting belief say: “I am addicted to cigarettes.”
This belief could be causing you to see yourself as a smoker, not a person who smokes. Overcoming this self-limiting belief is what can give you the tools to quit smoking.
Your limiting belief often originates from the influences of friends, family or the people who have shaped your smoking behaviour. If they see you as a smoker it can be a self-perpetuating cycle that doesn’t allow you to take ownership of your smoking habit and control it.
But remember, the one and only one thing you have control over in your life are your choices.
This is a very powerful moment: a light bulb moment and may make your head spin! When you apply this concept you can make the choice to stop smoking and identify yourself as a non-smoker.
Your self-belief and the act of taking control holds the key to all your thoughts and choices….giving you the will power and tools to enable you to stop smoking for good.
This is a massive turning point and extremely empowering, making many people feel better when they find themselves in control of their smoking behaviour, rather than give their power away to something like a cigarette.
“The most powerful force in the entire universe is a human being trying to remain consistent with who they see themselves as.” Seth Ellsworth
How I Stopped Smoking – A Case Study
Julian wanted to say a few words about how he quit smoking;
“I started smoking when I was 15 years. I wanted to belong to the gang, be cool and be liked by my friends and peers. At 38 years old I was unfit, unhealthy and spent more money on cigarettes than I liked. I had a bad, wet cough and couldn’t walk into our nearest town from my house, even though it is only a 15/20-minute walk.
I never saw myself looking like I did at only 38 years old: I looked drawn, my skin on my face felt dry, I smelled of stale cigarette smoke, and I was always short of money as I spent a lot of money on cigarettes.
My wife and I argued a lot and we were not close anymore; she does not smoke you see. My parents refused to let me smoke in their house or in their garden as they have labelled it as a smoke-free zone, so I didn’t go there often. Most of my friends have given up smoking and hence I would stand outside the pub smoking alone in the cold. I felt like the last person still smoking and knew I had to make a choice.
I feel great now. I had the support from my wife and parents as soon as I set a date to give up the dreaded cigarettes. I went to a local hypnotherapist to increase my motivation and control my cravings. I learnt a breathing technique and how to be in control over my habits and behaviours. I have my best friend as my mentor and guide in case I am tempted to go back to smoking again. I cleaned my house, my car, desk etc and also my negative way of thinking and now I feel so much better and much more positive. I am doing a 10 K run in September for charity. I’ve finally found something I like more than cigarettes… I am so very grateful.”
Support To Quit Smoking
Here are some key factors that help people to successfully quit smoking:
- Support from friends and family,
- Support from a friend to motivate you, keep tabs on you and remind you of your goal,
- Nicotine replacement products such as gum, nasal sprays and lozenges and help,
- NHS Stop Smoking Service provides local support through Surrey Stop Smoking Service, 0845 602 3608, stop.smoking@surreycc.gov.uk or Quit4life Hampshire Stop Smoking Service, 0845 602 4663, text QUIT to 60123, quit4life@nhs.net
- Reflexology can be effective, local reflexologist Rachel Carlse has experience of treating smokers 07790171115, www.feetinfleet.co.uk,
- Evidence has shown that Clinical hypnosis as an intervention to a smoking habit has a 40 – 50% success rate. The more sessions the client has the better for motivation and skill development.
Find out more about how hypnotherapy can help you stop smoking here.
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