Wednesday, January 30, 2002

New insight for smokers who are quitting

If you're a smoker who wanted to quit Jan. 1 and if you are still smoking, you are definitely not alone.

If you're like most people who like to do a little partying on New Year's Eve and if you didn't prepare to stop smoking, New Year's Day was probably the worst day of the year to stop smoking.

As an ex-smoker and as the founder of a company that helps people to stop smoking, I've learned some things that you may find helpful if you truly want to release tobacco from your life.

Really, forget about feeling guilty about still being a smoker. If you like to do a little partying on New Year's Eve, itís almost inevitable that you'll be lighting up within a day or two despite any resolution to quit. If you overdid food or alcohol consumption on Monday night, that probably left you with one very lethargic hangover to deal with as you cruised through the fog of all the TV bowl games on the first day of 2002.

And without preparation a game plan it was much more likely that you ran out to the local convenience store for a pack of your favorites.

I recommend at least 3 weeks of preparation time before quitting. During that time you can take steps to boost your sense of self-trust, take dietary steps to prepare your body, and learn new ways of coping with life's challenges. That means experimenting with new ways of dealing with the stress in your life.

If you've made a resolution to stop smoking in the new year, start the PROCESS of quitting the preparation today. Then every day, do something, no matter how brief or simple, that helps you to prepare for a life that is free of tobacco.

A major factor is keeping your word to yourself. If you say you're going to do something no matter how small you will rebuild your sense of self-trust by consistently following through. Note the tips listed below.

Top ten tips for stopping smoking

1. Pound down the water at least 2 quarts every day to help you deal with stress.

2. Practice deep breathing a minute or two several times daily. Don't do this while driving at first; you may get dizzy.

3. Get up and move around several times daily, even if its just for a minute. Stretching helps.

4. Every day, pick 2 things that you donít usually do and set them as goals. Write them down and check them off when completed. This helps rebuild your sense of self trust.

5. Rather than saying to yourself "Iím going to stop smoking," turn it into a positive statement: "I am determined to breathe freely."

6. Instead of saying to yourself: "I am trying to stop smoking." Say "I am choosing to be free." Talking about what you want to stop doing can increase anxiety. And your brain understands when you say that you are "trying" that trying is an ongoing state, that you are continuing to fail.

7. Reduce or cut out caffeine. Not only is there a psychological connection (that morning coffee and cigarette) but caffeine also binds nicotine to your body, which basically means cravings are tougher.

8. In the first month of freedom from tobacco, keep alcohol consumption to a drink per day or less.

9. During that time, steer clear of parties where there is smoking.

10. Remember that exercise burns off stress much better than hoisting a beer while you watch TV.

Charles Tedesco is founder of Smoking Release Associates in La Quinta, California. The SRA has motivational tools including The Quitters' Quiz, available without charge on its Web site: www.SmokingRelease.com.