The Easy Way to Quit Smoking

Some individuals say the easy way to quit smoking does not exist. Yet people who have  successfully quit will often tell you that it wasn't as hard as they thought, when they look  back. Frequently, they tried numerous times before and failed and they went back to  smoking several days, weeks, or months later. But then, that one time, they stopped  without having as much trouble. So what made it easier that time?

I believe the easy way to quit smoking is through hypnosis and neurolinguistic  programming. The conscious and unconscious minds are the driving force behind so  much of what we do. Therein lies the key to why a person smokes. In my practice I like to  uncover the positive benefit the mind feels it is giving the client by smoking. This may  seem a bit odd, but there is a misguided attempt to provide a benefit by smoking in a  smoker's mind. This is powerful and is one of several techniques, that when  administered properly through the use of hypnosis and NLP, make the transition from  smoker to non-smoker as smooth as possible.

First off,one important step in quitting smoking is the intent to quit. Sometimes people  say they want to quit, but don't deep down have the desire to give up smoking just yet. A  person has to truly want to quit. Now, can that desire be enhanced? Yes. You can list all  the negative results of smoking in your life on a piece of paper and also list all the  wonderful, positive effects in your life of being a non-smoker. Be sure to write this down  on paper, a very important step, as it brings the concepts into the physical world and will  carry much more power as the lists are reviewed. These lists will not only create a real  determination to stop smoking, but are also a very powerful tool in making the transition  from smoker to non-smoker easier. There is no special "time" to quit smoking; when the  desire to stop is created, the right time has arrived.

Usually, the desire to quit is born when an event makes the realization real. This could  be physical, such as a sudden health problem related to smoking or even a coughing fit.  It could be as simple as yet another rise in the price of cigarettes in a tough economy.  Or, it can often be a word from a child, friend, or relative. Whatever the event, the  realization that it is time to act is born and is time to be acted upon.

What rarely ever works is if someone else wants a smoker to quit. As stated above, the  smoker needs to want to quit. Often, in my practice, I am approached by a well-meaning  spouse, parent, friend, etc. who wants to pay for sessions so someone else will quit  smoking. I explain I would be happy to do so if the person wants to quit, but if they don't,  then I can't accept their business.

Your motivation might still go up and down but reread your lists and focus on a mental  image of you as a successful, happy, non-smoker. Focus on thinking positively. What a  sense of freedom you'll feel when sitting through a lengthy movie or plane journey without  getting anxious and wishing for the end so that you could smoke. What will you do with  all that extra money not being spent on cigarettes every day? Always direct your mind to  the positive results you will experience from becoming a non-smoker.

Most people have activities that remind them of cigarette smoking. Put off those  activities for a while just to make your life easier. Giving up alcohol temporarily is a good  idea as it is not only strongly associated with cigarette smoking, but also because a  person's motivation to not smoke is greatly lowered when drinking alcohol. In the  beginning it might be best to limit time with friends or acquaintances who are hard-core  smokers. Second hand smoke carries a good deal of nicotine with it, so quitting while  being exposed to the drug is difficult at best.

At the same time, don't stay home alone with nothing to do. Quitting cigarette smoking  can be a little like losing a friend. Though hypnosis will make it so much easier to quit, it  is best to occupy your mind, your hands and your time. With your newfound spare time  not smoking, go back to your favorite pastime, hobby, or activity. Start with some mild  exercise and work your way up, enjoying the new found feeling of breathing easier and  your ever-increasing level of health. Staying active mentally and physically is not only a  good practice while quitting smoking but is also a basis for a happier life.

Should an occasional craving pop up, just let it go by, it won't last long. Using NLP,  clients are given techniques to utilize should an occasional craving for a cigarette occur,  so it is less of an issue.

In summary, the easy way to quit smoking, is to quit when you have finally reached that  desire to stop. Then utilize the miraculous benefits of hypnosis and NLP to ensure your  success in becoming a new you, a non-smoker!