How to quit smoking
As no important website wants to link to my quit smoking website here, here is an article I have written which I’ll hawk around forums.
Much of the hearsay evidence about smoking cessation is contradictory. How many people have you heard say “giving up smoking was the hardest thing I ever did”. On the other hand I’ve heard some say, “one day I just gave up”.
What seems to be for sure is that everyone is different and what works for one may not work for another.
In that case, I would like to explain my method for giving up, for what it’s worth. And, if there is anyone else out there like me, maybe someone will benefit.
I started smoking when I was 18 and very quickly developed a 20 a day habit. I immediately noticed a dip in my health – not to mention an increase in my asthma. But still I soldiered on. I tried to give up numerous times, sometimes using gum or patches, but it never worked. Every minute of the day I would think about smoking, or feel awkward, or both.
Over three years ago I developed a passing interest in Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and from that became interested in self-hypnosis and meditation. For other reasons I started practising self-hypnosis and meditation for a few weeks and then one day stopped smoking! I was 35. I have been free from cigarettes and the desire to smoke for over 3 years. It was easy! I can remember no side-effects – no irritation, no depression, no physical changes.
I was very relaxed about the whole thing. I hadn’t even wanted to give up.
All you can see on the internet about giving up is, generally, very serious. Pick a “quit date” … Keep a diary … Tell your friends. It’s all very stressful. It’s very focussed on a moment of achievement in the future and not about the present. Human beings don’t work that way. We evolve moment by moment. I gave up smoking by concentrating on the present not by stressing about a “quit date”. I would love to see these so called “experts” “prove” that “quit dates” are a good idea.
Back to my method. Don’t put any pressure on yourself to quit – just know that it will come eventually. We need to add a 5 minute routine to your daily life which may increase to 10 or 20 minutes as time goes by.
During these moments, try to concentrate on the present. Don’t think about the past or the future. It’s not as easy as it sounds. Methodology is on the website.
Try not to see yourself as an independent animal effected by, or even victimized by, his/her environment. Prefer to see the “outside” world as something that occurs and changes within you as, for all you know, that’s what it is.
(If you thought the above paragraph didn’t make sense, don’t worry!)
Relax! This is all about observation. Just as you observe your breathing, observe that you are feeling clean and better and that you want to smoke less.
Through the day concentrate on what you are doing. If you are walking, concentrate on the sensations of you feet on the ground.
All of life happens within this capacity of observation. The desire for a cigarette is just another little thing that goes on within this capacity and it will arise and pass just like your breath.
Quiting smoking was the hardest thing I ever did as well. I smoked 2 packs a day and after about 15 years, the health effects became very apparent. I actually ended up getting on Welbutrin for “other reasons” but my cigarette cravings went away almost immediately. Well to make it short, that did not last, but I finally found another method that worked.
The moral is if I can do it, anyone can. I don’t think I could have been More Addicted than I was.
Hello Rick, it would be interesting if you told us which method finally worked for you. http://quitcigs4free.com/how.html is still there helping people…
Ive tried wellbutrin as well, it works instantly but once you stop the meds you start craving again, which sucks, so I went for alternative methods used a whole combo and thats how I quit!!!
Its not that difficult thinking about it, it’s just a matter of time when you feel like you cant take it anymore, then it just happens.
Hello, Smoke Free, I like your blog. I’d be interested to hear what your alternative methods were. But you’re right, spending your money on medications is a bad idea!
My free and easy way is here: http://quitcigs4free.com/how.html
Hi. My name is Antony. I smoke already 6 years. Very want to quit, but I can not.
A very useful article: http://www.no-smoking-blog.com/?p=22
Hello Antony. Please follow this link. Here is my method to give up smoking:
http://quitcigs4free.com/how.html
I was looking into the psychological factors of smoking addictions and came across this page:
http://www.squidoo.com/nicotine-addiction
The method does involve planing and a quit date – but also encompasses a whole lot more than that such as certain vitamin supplements. It also has some advice in specific for women on quitting timing.
All the best
Hi Quit, thanks for your contribution and the link. I didn’t plan or have a quit date but that’s not to say that it won’t work for some people. All the best to you.
I agree with you. Sometimes we just need professionals help to quit smoking. That is why I build some resources around them, take a look at : http://cigarette-free.com
Best of luck with your venture, Renaldi.
Thank you Rob. I also doing some freelancing, including creating PDF ebooks. Drop by at my page sometimes : http://mrenaldi.co.cc
I agree with you in relation to the fact that often cigarettes deceive people into not giving much thought to the here and now. The cigarettes can push people around by getting them to pick them up without really thinking about it. When you start to instinctively know what the cigarettes are trying to do in the here and now, that’s what can really help people stop smoking.
The cigs aren’t that easy to give up, they just become part of your daily activities, a habit that just becomes part of you, without ever really thinking about it. And the excuses to not quit smoking – are many – I started giving them numbers as they were easier to remember.
A serious commitment has to be made to not only stop smoking, but to never start again, but everyone is different – some have the will-power of a cup of cocao, while others find it easier to quit the cigs.
Thanks Mark, you really seem to understand the way people are when they are smokers, always thinking about the next cigarette and never enjoying life moment by moment. This is the mental addiction that can be cured in a second very easily.
Lucy, can you tell us your method of giving up and how it worked as I had the will-power of a cup of cocao but managed to quit easily having failed on a number of occasions.
Thankyou! I find it fascinating how people look at things.
Thank you, Hypnosis Melbourne
Excellent stuff, I have sent this link to one of my friend, who is chain smoker.
Please do, Aromatherapy Online, please let us know how your friend gets on.
Wonderfull stuff, I have share this link to everybody, Thanks Rob, goog Job
dorukta, please let me know if anyone tries my method and how they get on.
I guess we need certified health professional who are well versed with the techniques involved in successfully quitting smoking. Cold turkey, Chantix etc are some common methods but they do not work for everyone and so it is essential that one identifies what is best suited to a person. Im trying hard to spread awareness against this menace through my blog at http://healthexercisepro.com
I just recently quit. I was only smoking 1 or 2 a day but still found it tough to quit. It’s hard to imagine smoking more than that and not having severe withdrawals.
Mike Gs last blog post..States And Cities With Laws That Ban Smoking
The most important element of quitting is that you are not alone and to involve friends,family and anyone who will help.
Get good advice and take some of the non addictive “cold turkey” products that are available
Thanks for all the comments although I must say I quit with no withdrawal and without any products, just meditation and self-hypnosis – which are free!
This is pretty interesting. It is very different from what most articles say about how to quit smoking.
Would love to hear more stories of this interesting method on how anyone can quit smoking.
There is no quitting. Just accept the fact that you are a smoker. It is a strong addiction. You can NEVER quit entirely.
You can’t stop eating or drinking, you need to to live. Smoking is part of life that you need to live also, it is satisfying, relaxes you and it’s great to socialize with other smokers.
You can pause for a bit, but why, it only causes more stress. Accept it, it is part of your life, and it’s not a bad thing!
“Much of the hearsay evidence about smoking cessation is contradictory. How many people have you heard say “giving up smoking was the hardest thing I ever did”. On the other hand I’ve heard some say, “one day I just gave up”.”
I do agree with that, it’s all about commitment and attitude!
Charlie Rotario
How to Quit Smoking News Blog
I really liked the layout of your blog! looks clear and crips and is easy to follow – keep up the good work
just came across. Nice blog
Tips To Quit Smoking, you can find out much more about this interesting method on how anyone can quit smoking here: http://quitcigs4free.com/how.html
Jehova, I’m sure you knowledge is pretty all-encompassing but I am proof that you can quit. Over 5 years now. In fact the majority of people that have at one time smoked eventually quit. Companies like Pfizer just don’t want you to think that.
Thank you, best way to stop smoking. If you look at my method, it is a little bit about attitude but it tries to make it easy on people as well.
Thank you, Jackie and Evelynn.
Interesting how you quit. I smoked for years and years and a lot of it really is about self control and relaxing!!
ha I know what you mean about trying to relax.. after 3 days without im Mr angry and resort back to the fags . dont feel like in craving i just get stressed.. any tips???
Hello Sandy, I agree – it’s easy to quit when you relax.
I think you need to be in the right frame of mind before you quit so you don’t become Mr Angry, e cigarette. Try this link: http://quitcigs4free.com/how.html
I’ve been smoking for almost 20 years now. I sure had my thoughts to quit, more than once, but I never tried it.
Truth is people want *real* motivation to do it, I don’t think it’s a matter of finding the right technique. I’ve written an article on the subject (http://www.crazyworldnews.com/267/health/quit-smoking-techniques-at-least-try.html). I admire with all my heart those people who managed to quit, either gradually or immediately. But I think that deep inside they had a serious incentive to do so, be it the acceptance from their family, the way they valued themselves or just financial reasons.
If a person finds the real motive to quit, then burdens of whatever procedure can be dealt with easily.
Hello Alexander, you should try to quit one day. You may find it easier than you think. I had no deep incentive you speak of, no motive at all, I just woke up one day and gave up. Try my quit smoking technique.
What helped me the most to quit was an exercise on a regular basis. Running, weight lifting, any kind of sport or simple walking routine will make you keep focus on the sport achievements. As you walk or run or do weight lifting you’ll be trying to achieve better results and that will shift you from thinking about cigarettes.
You’re absolutely right, Alan, I was taking a lot more exercise after giving up although I wouldn’t recommend weights but cardio-vascular activity like walking, running, swimming cycling, which increase the amount of oxygen going to the brain and, therefore, makes you happier!
Hello
I would love to link to your site
Do you have a sample text link or graphic that I can use on my site?
I see most of your ideas have to do with mind over matter techniques. I think that is really a combo of things, at least thats what worked for me. I chronicled my Smoke Remedy list here. After 9 years I too quit!
It’s really more than mind over matter. The link to the main website about stopping smoking tells you more. Your website is trying to sell a specific product so I’m not going to take it seriously.
I know what you mean. I am a long-time smoker with absolutely no willpower when it comes to quitting.
this is simply great !
people cant blindly follow other peopl’s methods 1
Thank you, lily, maybe you could link to http://www.quitcigs4free.com on your website.
Rob,
I visited your website and it’s right on the money. Most of the stop smoking aids are 100% focused on the whole nicotine thing when really it’s the mental addiction that people have trouble beating. I totally believe people can quit without any help if they recognize that and retrain their brain a little.
Thank for sharing such a great post. I’ve stopped smoking and have made tremendous good changes in my confidence and self control.
Good article. Nicotine is totally a mental thing that needs to be overcome, but there are many physical factors as well.
Hi, thanks for the very nice post here. After 10 years I have finally quit smoking – now I feel much better and confident in myself. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s a must for a more quality life.
Rob,
Excellent article. My quit smoking story is nearly identical to yours. I started smoking at age 18 and found myself smoking over 3 packs a day before I finally quit in 1985. I found NLP through the book “Frogs Into Princes” by Bandler and Grinder which prompted me to seek out a NLP practicioner who helped me painlessly quit in less than 1 week.
I’d offer a strong warning to anyone considering using nicotine replacement products or designer drugs like Chantix or Zyban. You’re only fooling yourself if you think you’ll permanently quit by using these products.
Facts are: 97% of long-term successful ex-smokers quit by quitting cold turkey. The overwhelming majority of those who try to quit using nrps or drugs relapse within one year of quitting, and in the case of designer drugs even run the risk of serious mental illness or possibly life threatening side effects.
Safest way to quit is by far NLP/Hypnosis.
Just my two cents worth.
Great article though
Hi, thanks for the very nice post here. After 10 years I have finally quit smoking – now I feel much better and confident in myself. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it’s a must for a more quality life.
Alex, Eric, Bora, Art and Mike. Thank you for replying and sharing your experiences. It’s great to hear the feelings of some of you who are now free of the habit. Art, I remember reading “Frogs Into Princes” it was like a transcript of a lecture given by the two founders of NLP iirc. You are right on the money to say that any drug or external product is a waste of time compared with self-hypnosis/meditation. Cheers!