Healing and Hypnotherapy Volume 5, Issue -2, 1 August 2020 | Page 4

QUIT SMOKING: TIPS, TOOLS AND
TRICKS
The history of smoking goes back to 5000 BC. Smoking has been associated
with religious ceremonies, cleansing rituals, divination and even spiritual
enlightenment.
Today, however, the dangers of smoking are well known. Smoking is one of
the leading causes of preventable death in the world. In the United States,
about 500,000 deaths per year are attributed to smoking related diseases [1] .
At least half of all lifelong smokers die early as a result of smoking [2] .
Thinking about quitting smoking? If you want to live a long healthy life you
should be.
Some people are able to quit smoking on their own, but research

shows that the best way to quit is through evidence based smoking

cessation technologies and programs. Seventy percent of smokers

will attempt to quit smoking without using a program and 90 percent will
relapse. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.)
Ready to try quitting smoking on your own? Here are some tips to increase
your chances.
Have a plan. To quit smoking, you must be prepared. Pick a goal date when
you will smoke your last cigarette and start your life as a non-smoker.
Between two weeks and 30 days from today.
Get a physical. Be aware of any health problems that may exist. It's better to
know. Make sure it's ok for you to exercise.
Get regular exercise. Get your health back. Walking is a great way to start,
riding a bike or doing exercise videos at home. Exercising will also help you
deal with negative feelings that may arise in your first days of quitting.
Prepare to quit. If you smoke over a pack a day, give yourself two weeks to
prepare your mind to quit smoking. If under a pack, give yourself a week.