I started smoking with my best friend and the tender age of 15, basically because it was just a cool thing to do. By the time I was in my mid 20’s I was a pack a day smoker. I decided to quit the first time when I was 36. The first attempt was with Chantix. It caused me to have some crazy dreams, but it worked for me…. for about four years.
I was hanging out with my dad for the weekend partying and kept bumming cigarettes off him. Man, did I miss that calming feeling of dragging on a burning cigarette? Once again, I was hooked. As any good smoker would do, I convinced myself that if I could only find an organic additive-free cigarette that all would be alright with the world. Guess what? They make them. I was in love.
I also convinced myself that if I didn’t smoke an entire pack my lungs could handle it, so I gave myself a cigarette allowance of ten cigarettes a day. For the next four years, I smoked 10 or less organic non-additive cigarettes a day.
My best friend told me she wanted us to quit together. I was trying to be healthy and make better choices because of my Lupus, but this was my last bad habit. My rebelliousness wanted me to hang on as long as I could. I begrudgingly agreed and quit again. I did the same method as before, thinking that it worked for four years it would work again. It did, but only for a few months.
Then I finally got real and decided to quit. I decided this time I was going to do it a healthier way and not put chemicals in my body to do so.
The following is the step I used to quit:
I set my quit date.
September 7, 2017
I took a supplement.
A week before my quit date I started taking two capsules of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi. Ashwagandha is also a great choice. Both are known for relieving stress. I have taken both at different times for their amazing health benefits, but for this purpose, I chose to go with Holy Basil.
Practice Yoga.
I had meditated daily and practiced yoga for years and knew what a benefit both of these were for me. I became more focused on yoga. Anytime I felt anxious, I would take a few moments to practice deep breathing and yoga stretches.
Meditate.
On my quit day, I set my intention to quit. I increased my meditation to two times, twenty minutes each day. Then repeated the following affirmation: “I’m not a smoker I don’t smoke anymore”.
Mindfulness and Affirmations as needed.
It also helps if you are self-aware during the time you are still having cravings. Each time I craved a cigarette I closed my eyes and became mindful of my breath. I would place my hand on my heart and lungs and repeat the following: “I love my lungs. I am thankful for how hard they work for me and I will treat them better”
Download a Smoking App
I also got a smoking app that helped me keep track of my progress. When you see your achievements it’s great to help you stay on track. I used the Smoke-Free app and I loved it, but I’m certain there are a lot of other great smoking apps out there to help.
The first week was hard. I felt like I was taking deep breaths and saying my affirmation almost every thirty minutes. I kept at it and now I’m officially nicotine free. This is what worked for me. I hope that it works for you too, but anyway you can achieve becoming smoke-free is going to be great. I wish the best for anyone
Leave a comment if you have found other natural ways to quit smoking. I would love to hear how quit naturally has worked for you.
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