HABITUAL BEHAVIORS
As you go through life as a smoker, habits form, almost like clockwork.
You wake up, smoke a cigarette. Get out of the shower, smoke again. Drive to work, have another one. Almost to work? You still have time to have one more before you walk in the door. Sound familiar? Can you relate?
These are bad habits, and they must be stopped. In order to reverse these behaviors, which is paramount to quitting, you first need to acknowledge them, know they are coming, and plan ahead. If you don't, they may catch you off guard and you may relapse, and that will send you back to square one.
It's very easy at the beginning to naturally grab for a cigarette, or even give up all together because the temptation is too hard. Don't let that stop you! Understand that you're only reaching for a cigarette, not because you want one, but because you've done so for many years. It's just a bad habit that needs to be reversed. After so many years, it feels natural to reach for one while you're walking down the street, or while dancing at a party.
What are some others?
Waking Up - This is the first one you'll face. If you're a pack a day smoker, you'll probably think about having one first thing in the morning. I know I did. I smoked before I even went to the bathroom, getting dressed, or turning the lights on. Tobacco was the first thing I reached for.
When you wake up, you're going to think about it, so what should you do? Instead, drink a glass of juice or go directly to the bathroom and take a shower. Don't sit around and ponder, you'll go nuts. Have a plan of attack and stick to it. Make some toast, or brew some coffee. Stay in bed longer, or turn on the TV.
After a Shower - For some reason, I loved to smoke after a refreshing, warm shower. Perhaps just the feeling of cleanliness sparked the nicotine craving. If this pertains to you, focus on the smells of clean clothes, or your clean body. Forget about those nasty cigarettes. It will stink everything up! Enjoy pampering yourself while getting ready. Remember, this is the new you. Embrace it!
Eating - It's quite common for people to smoke after they eat. It's comes natural to them. Ever notice how many people go outside after they eat? Remember when you could smoke inside of restaurants? How many people sat in those sections?
Once you've quit and eaten a few meals without lighting-up, you'll reverse the behavior and you won't dwell on cigarettes after you eat. You might even save room for dessert now, instead of quickly going outside to get your fix. This is a trigger that you'll notice how quickly it fades away once you overcome it. That is a tell-tale sign that habits are reversable.
Driving - Smoking and driving seem to go hand-in-hand. If that's you, then you probably do this a lot while you drive. I did. I had cigarette burns all around the driver's seat. Instead, snack on something light, hold a cup of coffee, sing to your favorite music, or simply focus on where you're headed. Your car will smell nicer, too, so that's always welcome.
Work Breaks - Every employee gets a break during work. If you're a smoker, then you most likely go on this break. This is a tough one, because it's been hammered in your brain for quite some time to go outside as soon as you get the chance. Instead, pack a lunch, a snack, drink some water, and tell everyone you've quit. It's important to let everyone know what you're going through so you have their support. Otherwise, just avoid taking breaks and the anxiety it brings you will fizzle away in a few days. It won't take long.
Watching TV - Sitting around on the couch is the perfect opportunity to light-up, and I'm sure you've done it a 1000 times. I always loved to smoke during a climactic part of something I was watching, or when a "good part" was coming. Sound familiar?
Instead, nibble on something light, or make a nice meal for yourself. Drink some juice, make some coffee, or simply just watch TV and abstain. You'll most likely be thinking about it, and that's natural, but get through the moment and you'll begin to reverse the bad behavior. Enjoy your surroundings and the fresh smells around you.
