Wednesday 9th March 2011~ National No Smoking Day

Every year we are encouraged to quit smoking with 'National No Smoking Day' to focus our attention on quitting this habit.
So what drives us to continue smoking?
Every smoker is fully aware of the health risks to themselves and others; the rising costs of cigarettes and tobacco to fund the habit; the effect smoking has on the environment they smoke in ~ ie., cigarette smell in furniture, clothing, the breath, stained fingers and discoloration of teeth etc., . . . . . . and because of this awareness, nearly every smoker has spent times when they've planned quitting, set dates to quit, maybe stopped for a short period . . . . and then gone back onto smoking again.
As with any habit or addiction, however you like to think of it, it's not all about the cigarette!
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, the majority of smoking clients that I see, find it calms them down, helping them unwind and relax after a stressful day, it might be a social thing for them ~ feeling part of a group of others who smoke too (partners/friends/colleagues), or they might enjoy the ritual side of rolling their own!
However you look at it, you also need to be fully aware of the 'downside' of smoking, the long term health effects it has on the lungs, throat and body. Their are more positive, healthy ways of relaxing and de-stressing, such as learning deep breathing techniques, yoga, tai chi, exercising or meditation to anme but a few.
So if you've started your year with a resolution to stop smoking this year, then their is no time like the present! Waiting until tomorrow, or next week, or after the next special event just prolongs the point. Support and help for stopping smoking can be found on www.nosmokingday.org.uk and www.smokefree.nhs.uk where many helpful tips and advice can be found, then the rest is down to you! Alongside these support networks you might like to consider the benefits of Hypnotherapy techniques, which can help to reduce the cravings and lessen the withdrawal symptoms, making it an easier journey for you to make!
Lori Curbishley-Brown, Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Master Practitioner NLP visit www.sahasrara.uk.com or call 07941 841 485