Quit Smoking – Step 3

Step 3

Now we come to another step in our process. You need to acknowledge at least two things.

First — stopping smoking is not easy — if it were then every smoker would have given it up by now.
Second — there are going to be times through out this process that we will be uncomfortable, there is no way to avoid this.
So let’s come to terms will those facts right now.

I. IT IS NOT EASY TO STOP SMOKING

It is important to accept this fact. Let’s face it, if it were easy to quit there would be very few smokers out there and we know that is not the case.
Get ready for the fact that when you first quit, smoking is on your mind almost all the time. Not only is it on your mind all the time, you keep seeing people smoking every where you go. At times it seems as though you are the only one who doesn’t smoke.
Of course you will know that this is not true, but it sure will seem that way. One of your mantra’s will be — JUST BECAUSE THIS IS HARD AT TIMES DOES NOT MEAN I CAN SMOKE. Get out your stop smoking note pad and write this down.

II. YOU WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE

Now that you know a little more about your smoking habits and how much of your daily activities involved smoking, you also realize that changing your behavior will be uncomfortable. That is really important to recognize. Before you stop you need to accept that fact that early on in the process
I WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE.
Get out the stop smoking note pad and write in large clear letters —
AT TIMES I AM GOING TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE.
BEING UNCOMFORTABLE IS NOT A REASON TO SMOKE.
WHEN I BECOME UNCOMFORTABLE I AM NOT GOING TO SMOKE.
So say it to yourself now (don’t just read this, say it out loud). “I WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE”.
It is really important that you understand and accept this fact. That way, when you feel uncomfortable you will know that it is perfectly normal and it will not be a surprise. You will just say to yourself — oh right — I feel uncomfortable — I knew I would — and here it is.
It will not be a surprise. It will be something you expect and therefore it will be easier to deal with.
It is important to realize that the level of uncomfortabillity will diminish fairly quickly. It is worse in the earlier stages of withdrawal and becomes less and less strong.

Smoking Cessation
NYC Acupuncture Smoking Cessation Program
Step 1
Step 2
Methods