Struggling already with your New Year resolutions?
Here's Anne Penman's 12 Tips to help you quit smoking in 2016......
1) Don't be afraid
Every smoker is well acquainted with the fear that comes when the
day we've planned to quit smoking arrives. We're suddenly filled with doubt
about whether quitting is a good idea. Maybe we should wait until we're not so
busy and stressed. Next week or next month would be easier we tell ourselves,
as we light up and start coming up with excuses to avoid the dreaded day.
Don't let fear stop you before you get started. Make a plan and do
it.
2) Use a smoking diary to help you prepare
When we write everything down, it helps affirm our reasons for
stopping. You can download a smoking diary at http://www.annepenman.com/preparing-to-stop
3) Find support
Having others who are interested in your success is important. Be
honest and talk about your feelings – we know it’s not easy but it’s worth it.
4) Eat Well
Smoking cessation throws our bodies into shock initially. As damaging
as the chemicals are in cigarette smoke, we've become accustomed to them and we
feel their absence physically when we quit.
Nicotine withdrawal can introduce a host of symptoms, but if you take
care to give your body the fuel it needs to run properly, you'll minimize and
cope better with the discomforts associated with this phase. Don't load up on
empty calories that leave you feeling tired and cause weight gain. Keep the
right foods within easy reach. It's especially important right now.
5) Drink Water
Water will help flush residual toxins out of your system and beat
your cravings to smoke. When you're well-hydrated, you'll feel better in
general, which is a plus when you're going through nicotine withdrawal.
6) Get Your Beauty Sleep
When you are tired cravings to smoke will seem stronger and you'll
have less energy to deal with them. Fit a full 8 hours of sleep in every night,
and nap here and there if you need it. If you have trouble sleeping when you
first quit smoking, try taking a long walk a couple of hours before bed.
7) Get Moving
If you already have a daily exercise regime, great. Keep it up. If not, start now. Choose
something you enjoy doing and you'll be more likely to stick with it. Not only
will it help you minimize weight gain but exercise also creates endorphins
which will give you a feel-good boost. Aim
for a half hour of exercise every day. Walking is a low-impact activity that is
suitable for most people and is a quick fix if you have the urge to smoke. Get
out for a 15-minute walk around the block when you're feeling edgy and you'll
come back refreshed and relaxed.
8) Renew Your Resolve Daily
Your determination to quit smoking is built one day at a time.
Every smoke-free day makes you stronger. Practise the NOPE word
Not One Puff Ever
9) Be well armed with information
Decide on your quit method and follow your plan. Whatever you choose it’s better than before.
The choice now is endless so there’s no excuse for not trying.
10) Accept and Let It Go
Relax into your quit programme and embrace cravings to smoke as
they come along. Most cravings only last
3-5 minutes. Think of them as signs that your body is healing, because that is
just what they are.
11) Don't Fall for Junkie Thinking
Quitting smoking is the best thing you will ever do so don’t feel
sorry that you can't smoke, be delighted you are choosing not to smoke because
you want to be free of this killer addiction.
12) Stay Positive and Be Patient
Give yourself the gift of time and patience. Work to undo old
patterns and replace them with newer, healthier choices. Each day you complete
smoke-free brings you closer to the lasting freedom you're after.
Make 2016 the year you break free and start your new smoke-free
life
You are worth it.
For more information about Anne Penman Laser Therapy call 0141 637
5956 or log on to www.annepenman.com
