Quit Smoking
 If you are a smoker who really would like to quit, congratulations. You've just taken step one. You may already be on your way to kicking the habit successfully.
If you smoke 20 to 30 cigarettes a day, you are becoming a chain smoker and it needs a firm resolve to give up smoking. Giving up the habit may not be difficult, if the desire to stop smoking is strong enough - no matter how long you've smoked.
Once you are motivated to quit, you might start thinking about how you are going to do it. The methods you use may depend on the type of smoker you are. There are basically four major identifiable types of smokers.
Number one, the habitual smoker. He is the one who involuntarily lights up. He may smoke when speaking over the phone, during a coffee break, when sipping a cocktail, or after an evening meal. You have to constantly remind that person to quit. Seal up his cigarette case with cellophane tape or rubber bands so that he would realise consciously that he is reaching for another cigarette. He must be made aware that he is smoking too much and that he wants to quit.
 The second type is the 'positive effect smoker'. He finds smoking pleasurable and smokes for enjoyment or concentration. This person can substitute the habit with a healthy habit like walking, during the difficult stage of quitting.
The third category is the 'negative effect smokers'. They smoke when they are nervous or are under pressure. They often have a very difficult time quitting; but they can do so with the help of meditation.
The last type is a smoker with psychological or physical addiction. These are the ones who rush out to the lobby every now and then for filling their lungs with smoke. They need a firm determination to quit smoking. Or else, cancer will cure them of smoking.
 A habit is a deeply ingrained pattern of behavior you establish by repeating an action so often that it becomes automatic. After a time, the action comes regularly, even thoughtlessly. This can be great - if the habit helps you to maintain your health, like brushing your teeth after eating and stretching the limbs on waking up. It is less rewarding to your health and self-esteem on the other hand, if the habit is a negative one such as smoking, consuming excessive alcohol or eating to the point of obesity.
Pranayama (Breathing exercise) is the best way to beat the habit of smoking. The tendency to smoke occurs mostly when you are emotionally disturbed. While smoking you change your breathing pattern and this changes your mood also. Since breathing and your mind are closely connected, when you change your breathing pattern your mood changes automatically. The yogic method to stop smoking is
Nadishodhana Pranayama. |
