If you smoke, it's vital that you understand that smoking is not simply an addiction. It's also a habit that has been created over a period of time. Quite often a smoker will find themselves smoking because of the habit and not because of their body's addiction to nicotine. There is a difference between the two and if you're a smoker, you will have to deal with that difference if you ever decide to stop smoking. Personal habits are usually affected by an individual's family, their surroundings, and their living conditions. Various events occur in a smoker's daily routine that can easily trigger an automatic reaction that becomes their motivation to smoke. That is why these occurrences are commonly referred to as smoking triggers. To quit smoking, the smoker needs to understand what their smoking triggers are and how to deal with them when they occur.
If a smoker realizes what causes their smoking triggers, they will be able to alter their smoking routine and eliminate the urge to smoke at that particular time. After smoking for several years, most smokers generally don't even think of why they're smoking. They automatically smoke when the mood prevails itself. Unless they think about why they are smoking, they will never know what actually triggered the reaction that made them want to smoke in the first place. If an individual doesn't know the reason for their actions, they cannot effectively counter the event that caused it.
Here are a few valuable tips that will undoubtedly help those individuals who have recently quit smoking.
Common Activities and Events that Trigger Smoking
While drinking a cup of coffee... Simply change the way that you normally drink coffee. If you hold your coffee cup with your right hand, try your left. If you normally use a mug, try a cup. Try substituting juice, tea or another drink for your coffee during the first week as a non-smoker. You might possibly consider waiting until you get to work before you drink your first cup of coffee.
After finishing your meal... Get up from the table immediately after you have finished your meal and do something that you really enjoy doing that is not associated with smoking.
While talking on the telephone... If you normally talk on your telephone in the kitchen, try using your telephone in another room. You probably won't have much choice if you're at work. If you normally hold your telephone with your left hand, try your right. Keep small objects near your telephone that you can hold and play with. This will give your free hand something to do while you're talking.
During or after arguments... If you get upset this could cause a major urge to smoke. Calm down as soon as possible. You may simply need to excuse yourself and take a brisk walk around the block. Make sure that you take a piece of gum or a hard candy with you to keep your mind off smoking.
While working on your computer... It's amazing how many individuals smoke while they are using their computer. If you are using a mouse a lot, this gives you one free hand. Well, find something for that free hand to do. Try squeezing a rubber ball or holding any small object with your free hand. Give your free hand something to do.
When faced with disappointments... This emotion can easily trigger the urge to smoke. Whenever you're faced with a serious problem or a major disappointment, you will need to calm down and relax just as quickly as you possibly can. Find yourself a comfortable chair and try some deep breathing exercises to relieve the tension which was caused by the stress of the disappointment.
While driving your car... The majority of smokers usually smoke in their cars. Try removing the ashtrays from your car until you have kicked the habit. If you don't want to remove the ashtrays, try cleaning them out and then filling all of them up with potpourri. At least your car will smell a little better. Don't forget to use a good odor eliminator to remove the odor of smoke from the fabrics within your vehicle.
Social Events and Activities at Work that Trigger Smoking
Breaks while on the job... Most companies have designated areas for smoking. Make sure that you avoid these areas at all costs and take your break with other individuals that don't smoke.
Friends and family members that smoke... Being with your family and friends who smoke can be a real challenge. Explain to them that you have quit smoking and if they wouldn't mind, try to refrain from smoking around you until you have kicked the habit for good. Most of your friends and family will be somewhat understanding and would be willing to support your effort to quit smoking.
While attending social events... As you know, people smoke at parties, weddings and various other social events. Try to stay away from individuals who are smoking. This may seem impossible to you at this moment, but you can definitely keep yourself smoke-free at any social event if you try hard enough. If you feel like you're having a weak moment, step outside for a breath of fresh air and try some of those deep breathing exercises.
While drinking alcohol... You need to stay as far away from alcoholic beverages when you first quit smoking as you possibly can. If you must have a drink, only have one and we're not taking about a double at happy hour either. It's a proven fact that alcohol can quickly weaken your resolve not to smoke. Try to stay away from smokers while you are having that one drink. If you feel that you are having a weak moment, politely excuse yourself and go home. It's much better to leave the party earlier than expected, instead of giving up your chances of becoming a non-smoker.
It has been said that smoking is like having a crutch because so many smokers lean on their addiction to nicotine for help in so many different situations. A smoker's urge to smoke can be triggered by a number of different events, some good and some bad. No two individuals have the same smoking triggers. Most smokers would generally agree that it's very important for them to find out as quickly as possible what their smoking triggers are so they will be prepared to deal with them when they quit smoking.
If you currently smoke, ask yourself this question. How many years of your life are you willing to trade for the opportunity to smoke? If you quit now, you many possibly live another five, ten or fifteen years longer. The choice is yours!
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Contributor's Note
Let me show you how to deal with Smoking Triggers.
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