Smoker’s Redemption - September 17
I promised updates, so here is my first.
Smoking cessation programs always recommend picking a date at least 10 days in advance to attempt to stop smoking. Until that time, you do what you can to prepare yourself to stop. One of those preparations is identifying your triggers.
Stress is a trigger for any smoker. The nicotine is a stimulant, and acts as a sort of boost in trying times. A major ordeal for anyone attempting to stop is to learn alternative stress-reducing behaviors. Counting, walking, deep breathing, relaxation tapes, and many other methods can be an alternative. I need to spend the next few days trying new things to see what will and will not work for me. I learned progressive relaxation in college, so maybe I can try that again.
Writing is actually a trigger for me. Or rather, it is really concentrated effort that is a trigger. I’m not sure why, except maybe this is where the habitual part comes into play. Since I work all day either writing or transcribing, this one is going to be a toughie. Hang in for the next couple, though, and I have worked something out for all of them.
The telephone. Every smoker I know reaches for a cigarette the same time they reach for the telephone. Again, habit. Why do you need to smoke to talk? But we do.
The car is another big one. Some smokers have never smoked in the car, and that’s great. But for those of us that do, the car is a biggie. I smoke more in one afternoon running errands than I do in an afternoon of intense writing. And again, the car doesn’t need to nicotine to operate, so…
Here is my solution for the previous triggers, for now. Starting Tuesday morning, I will smoke only outside. If I am going to quit after a certain number of days, then making myself smoke outside, and only outside, should be a logical intermediate step. I actually did this once before during one of my previous attempts to quit. So I should be able to do it again, right? Well, we will see how things go tomorrow.
Smoking outside will give me the opportunity to start practicing those relaxation techniques during the times when I am in the car or can’t go outside right away. I can begin discovering which ones will work for me.
As requested, please keep me in your prayers and I will keep updating you on my attempt to stop smoking.
To continue following my progress, please visit Smoker’s Redemption.
christian smoker, prayer request, stop smoking blog
September 19th, 2007 at 2:23 am
You know what? I also in past attempts to quit smoking tried the smoking outside thing, and it did help me cut down. Haven’t considered it since (sometimes it seems like a losing battle) so thanks for bringing it up, because beginning tomorrow, I’m going to try that again. I’ll pray for you if you pray for me.
September 20th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Good luck, all smokers. I’ll keep you all in my prayers. When you’re feeling weak, remember that your bodies are God’s Temples, and you’re disrespecting God and ignoring his admonition to take care of our bodies when you smoke.
September 20th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
I’ll keep you in my prayers. I quit after about 17 years of smoking by surrendering it at the Cross. I know that sounds kinda weird, but the power of Jesus always works! One day, I was smoking a pack a day. The next day - nothing. No withdrawls, no cravings, no headaches - NOTHING! If you’re serious, put Him to the test!
September 24th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
I’ve been praying for you.
I hope you’re doing well.