How hypnosis could help you quit smoking
“Now count backwards from 10 to zero, counting each number as you breathe out and focusing on a different area of your body, allowing it to relax. I start with my toes and work up to my head, but you may find you prefer doing it [from your] head down to your toes. Whatever works.
“By this point you’ll be relaxed, but to help deepen that relaxation, imagine yourself in a tranquil place. I like to use a beach – picture the beach in as much detail as possible. If you hate beaches, try imagining a meadow or a garden, wherever you’d feel most relaxed.
“Now you’re in that state of concentration and relaxation, you can give yourself a suggestion, to feel more confident to give up smoking, or you can visualise your reason for quitting vividly so you feel more motivated to achieve your goal. This is you-time, so use it wisely.
“When it’s time to wake yourself up, simply count yourself back up from zero all the way to 10 and you’ll find yourself wide awake, feeling refreshed and re-energised. That’s it! It’s really that easy to start making positive changes to your life.”
“IF you’re tempted to smoke, try texting three friends and make yourself wait for their replies before you give in. By the time they’ve all replied, the temptation will have passed.”
Leave positive notes to yourself
“IT’S easy to be over-critical of yourself when you fall back into old habits. Slipping up is normal – learn to accept it, and continue trying to quit. It’s equally important to pat yourself on the back when you succeed.
“Plan to reward yourself when you reach a milestone period of time without smoking – after the vital first seven days, for instance, which is worth celebrating. Doing so will help motivate you further and give you positive reinforcement.”
“THERE will be certain things in your daily routine that you associate with smoking. It might be a morning coffee, meeting with certain friends, or during your break at work. For the first few days, avoid your triggers or mix up your routine.”
“IF you’re tempted to smoke, you can replace a cigarette with a straw. Cut down a household straw and use it as you would a cigarette. So much of smoking is anchored to the hand-tomouth action, the feeling of something in your hands and taking deep breaths. This ‘straw therapy’ can help psychologically trick your body into scratching that craving itch.”