subject: Here Is Your Plan After Quitting Smoking [print this page] It is all over now and you must feel greatIt is all over now and you must feel great. You have lessened your risk for cancer of the throat, bladder, lungs and mouth; your heart and arteries will not have to work as hard as they once did, and your lungs are singing your praises in full harmony. It has taken a lot to get you to this point, but you must still be vigilant about backsliding.
So, how does one remain at this stage of the game? You haven't had a cigarette, cigar, pipe or chaw for many long months, and even though you have been tempted you kept to your goal. It is now also up to you to remain a non-smoker for the rest of your life.
How to do this? The following suggestions will be of help:
Make sure that all smoking-associated things have been discarded
Have herbal tea and decaf in the house
Keep gum on hand
Enjoy the new taste of your meals
Realize that you no longer smell like a factory chimney
Rejoice in your new-found sense of taste and smell
Have a plan if a sudden craving hits
Try to talk yourself out of it if a sudden craving should arise on the horizon
The worst times in a previous smoker's life are those when stress manages to become almost overpowering. There seems to be no way of getting away from it and often more stress comes along to compound the problem. It is at these times that the desire to smoke will arise. When this happens:
Ask yourself why you think smoking would help
Leave the scene of the stressful situation
Go into deep breathing mode as soon as you feel the stress rising
Review, in your mind, your reasons for quitting in the first place
Talk yourself through this road bump. You can do it
Congratulate yourself for going through a gruelling bout with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Pat yourself on the back
If you have a friend near, seek him out to listen to you. At that time you will need to have support, and the kindness of a friend might be just what you need.
If you are unable to leave the stressful situation, be it business or family, remember the five D's.
Delay. Do not rush into lighting up immediately
Deep breathing will help with the immediacy of the craving
Drink water. This will keep you occupied for a few precious minutes
Do something. Move about, wiggle your toes, but do something
Discuss an interesting topic with whomever you are with. Keep your mind busy!
