Group Participation "Hints and Tips"
We often get a request for help from newcomers, so why not have a page to refer them to? If everyone participated their would be lots of ideas for someone to choose what might work for them, or a concept that they can relate to. Of course take the time to welcome and answer their question as we all like to feel that support system and to know that we are being heard.
I suggest that learning, even about ourselves and nicotine, not only gives us insight to what we are dealing with, but also raises our DOPAMINE production. Where nicotine once did that, we can find other ways to satisfy our need for this happy surge. Chocolate, music, lavender , love, exercise and other things that make us happy help us to cope on the journey.
As a group I think we can collectively ease people's minds about what to expect and how to prepare for an easier journey. Please write something helpful today and check back to add new postings in the future. We know it is possible to free ourselves of this relentless addiction . Share the knowledge, the joy and support.
I submit links to Allan Carr's free e-book and also to Nadia Davos presentation on You Tube. Learn to put smoking in a different light. Learn the mindset.
http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf Allan Carr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnSEbLX94Tk Nasia Davos
In going to the links above DO NOT include the name
http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnSEbLX94Tk
It is a change of lifestyle for me. I changed everything except my family.
Add your help on this page for the newcomers to have information in one place.
We advocate for members to adopt the mindset or learning to see what nicotine really did to our minds and coming to accept that this journey is taken because we truly want to be a non -smoker and reap all the benefits. We did not "give up" anything, as smoking really gave us nothing. It caused our anxiety, many of those anxieties brought on by money issues (how much could we have to alleviate this ?), ill health, and the relentless time table that nicotine subjected us too. How anxious did you get when you ran out of smokes or didn't know when you could sneak out of a meeting or event for one? It is indeed so great to have our freedom back, our health restored and money in our pockets!
I thought it would be included at the actual site itself, perhaps with the view of submitting to the moderators or administration! It is perhaps easier for everyone to make a comment to them instead of repeating ourselves over and over. I think we all agree with the idea of the mental aspect as being important from the start, this needs to be freely given by anyone which includes the physical aspect also. Maybe the Admin might include our own ideas on the newbies page sort of like a recommendation you see on other sites.
A great idea softly40, but I hope they leave the site alone without causing another uproar. Anyone can favorite this page, either to come to or to add to , or to refer someone to by posting the link. I love the phrase that Battle Won put out there....the battle is won in the mind. How true. Once we can retrain the mind and accept the truth we can embrace the journey and find our way to freedom with fewer bumps.
There is nothing to fear but fear itself.....that's a phrase you are familiar with. Fear can immobilize us into doing nothing. Overcome your fear of quitting smoking with knowledge. Learn that cravings are mere thoughts and that we can control our minds and hence the cravings. Learn the mindset and avoid cravings as I did. Embrace the journey that will give you such self pride and true freedom. Breathe easier, live longer and enjoy your money and restored health. How can you be afraid of such gifts that will be bestowed upon yo?. They are there for you, and all you have to do is really truly want to become a
non-smoker and believe than you can.
When you cut back on nicotine, it is also recommended to cut back on caffeine which nicotine used to reduce the effect of. Drinking lots of water and eating wholesome healthy foods helps our bodies to rid of toxins and minimize symptoms which may be thought to be anxiety.
I substitunte a coffee with a tsp of chicken boulllion in a cup of water with a dash of ginger, a dash of turmeric and a sprinkle of pepper with helps activate the components in the turmeric. Both spices are great for your health as antioxidants and also good for the immune system. Ginger was a part of my lung cleanse when i quit smoking cold turkey and i had a very easy time of it. Ginger is said to help cravings.
Cravings are but mere thoughts. Divert your attention from them by doing something else. Make a phone call, do a quick chore, play a quick game. or simply do an exercise or deep breathing. Do not engage in a debate within your mind. You are here having made the decision that you want to be a non-smoker. Embrace the idea fully and proceed with your plan to accomplish it. Cravings generally only last a moment or two. Many of us used smoking as a reward. When i finish this chore i will have a smoke the then ....... Although we may think of a cigarette, i don't regard it as a craving in that context. That is the habit or ingrained reflex. Ooops, remember that you do not smoke and go on with your day. Learning to fill the voids with a good habit can be challenging at first, but it does get easier a bit every day.
So don't dwell on the urge to smoke but banish it from your mind immediately and go on with your day. There is no debate, as you have chosen to become a non-smoker for a multitude of reasons. Reward yourself with little perks for staying committed to the task at hand, and/or at least take pride in the fact that you are one day closer to freedom , better health, wealth and setting a good example for others. You Rock! Stay Positive. Stay Free!
Our ,minds love to learn. Learning raises our dopamine or Happy serum that nicotine used to do. Find pleasureable ways to get your levels up with music, exercise, chocolate, lavender, love, an old hobby or perhaps a new one. Try to plan something to look forward to in your day whether it be a special activity, a phone call, a new recipe to try and indulge in. Helping others also makes us feel good whether opening a door, returning a shopping cart , a kind word or a warm smile . Make someone else feel good and you will too!
A new member, Hacksaw wrote how using the steps in AA helped in the quit smoking process. Great information and advice for the newbies to take time to read.
https://www.icanquit.com.au/story/16022/one-day-at-a-time
Thanks Hacksaw.
The book he refers to is Allan Carr's and probably the video as well. The link to The Easy Way to Quit Smoking is in the third comment above on this very page!
Did you know that while many people use the excuse of gaining weight as an excuse not to quit smoking, quitting smoking has the effect of losing 80 lbs. Smoking puts just as much strain on your body as lugging around all of that excess weight. Cutting out junk food and eating good wholesome food to nourish your body while quitting smoking is far more beneficial than putting off smoking even if a few pounds are gained. There is nothing more advantageous to your health than living smoke free.
I think a Newbies page is a good idea but I've learnt so much from reading different levels of quitting. These stories make me think I CAN be at your stages one day. There is hope for me now.