justfortoday
168 posts
Registered:
12 Aug 2019
14 Aug 2019
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This will be my fourth time trying to quit, and I’m going
into it with a very different attitude. In the past, I put on my armor, gritted
my teeth and walked into the “battle”. For me, this obviously did not work. So
this time, I using some of the tools I’ve learned through CBT (Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy) and really seeing my relationship with smoking for what it was, and
what it is. Here is a couple of strategies I use:
I have cut down from approximately 15 – 20 cigarettes a
day to approximately 7. When I do go for a smoke, I no longer take my phone to
distract myself with a game or Facebook. I do my best to stay mindful of the
process of smoking … the taste, the smell and other physical sensations. I ask
myself what am I enjoying about this cigarette? Other than feeding my
addiction, I’m not really digging it at all.
I’ve purchased some really expensive loose-leaf teas
(replacing coffee and a great detox), and make a ritual of preparing myself a
cup when the cravings are calling me outside.
I use “self-talk” and address the smoking directly. Instead
of saying, “Stop it! I will not do what you want me to do and fight this
craving!”, I repeat these words, “I know you want me to light up. I understand.
But right now, I have to say no”. For me it’s a gentler approach and therefore
I can be gentler with myself.
It is a journey for sure, and one I’m prepared to embark
upon.