Things to Think About Before you Quit

You have decided to quit, Great Decision, you've decided on a date, great way to begin, so now what. This is a good week to do some studying on tobacco and You, Take some time over the next few days to think about some things. Each time you smoke a cigarette, think about whether you are smoking out of habit, or because you really feel you need that cigarette; for example are you smoking because you always smoke when you are with Darcy or Jane or whoever; or are you smoking because you really "want, need" the nicotine? What are your feelings, or emotions when you light up, down or bored or excited, what is your state of mind? Some people make a mental note of these two things each cigarette but others like to write this information down so that they can look over the smoking diary and see if there are some patterns to learn from. Which ever you choose to do, make a mental note or physically write it down, the important part of this is to see if you see some patterns. Another part of becoming more aware of when, why and how come you smoke is noting where you are. It might be in the car, out on the porch, whatever. This will alert you to some problematic locations that you will have to plan around when you quit.
Some things people have noted in smoking journals I have seen are, stressed notations, or _____ called and I had a cigarette while we talked. Soon it was apparent that often when she was on the phone she also smoked, or when the kids argued she went out for a cigarette. Most people recognize that they smoke in response to certain triggers, now it is important to use this awareness and to plan some different responses to these triggers than smoking. When stressed I will do a breathing exercise, or I will have tea and drink it in the kitchen instead of coffee on the porch first thing in the morning.
In my next blog I will talk about some different options people have taken when confronted with a trigger during their first few smokeless days. Actually I think quitting and the self awareness and changes it brings to a persons life often means there are new healthful habits that become a part of the persons life so be mindful of yourself in the next week or so and think about your triggers.
Think about the When, Why and Where of your smoking life and ways these can change when you are ready to change your life and quit smoking.
Build an awareness of when you are smoking just because, or if there are certain times when smoking seems very important to you. Obviously each situations needs to be planned for but thinking about this helps you recognize the cigarettes which will be the hardest to give up. A plan, a new routine can be really helpful.
Think and write about the emotions or feelings that often lead to a cigarette, I hope to encourage some healthier alternatives to these than smoking.
I know you can quit and what you will do in the next few weeks will help you do it.