How to Stop Smoking
I used to be a smoker.
I began dabbling in it when I was 16 and became a heavy smoker by the time I was 18.
I worked as a waitress before becoming a nurse, and the only time you could take a break was if you smoked. To be honest, I loved smoking and bonding with my coworkers, and smoking soothed me.
I had really bad anxiety when it came to tests in nursing school, so smoking played a role in soothing me during that time. I felt like I needed the cigarettes and didn’t think much of it because I was an adult and could do what I wanted.
But, then my mom died, and my world was flipped upside down. I grew closer to Jesus, and I began to question my habits and lifestyle. I realized I was self soothing with cigarettes.
I quit… and then started again. Then, I quit cold turkey about 9 years ago.
It was so difficult, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
If you are attempting to quit smoking, here are some tips from a former smoker:
Ask yourself, “What do I want?”
Then, ask yourself again, “What do I really want?” because there’s a good chance you’re not going to be honest the first time.
- Maybe you want to feel secure, or maybe it’s a coping mechanism and self soothing
Now, ask yourself, “How can I get this in a healthier way that supports my mind, my body and my soul?”
- Maybe it’s asking a spouse or loved one for a hug when you need to feel secure. Maybe it’s going for a jog or working out. Maybe you need a creative outlet, like drawing or painting. Dig deeper to find out what you’re really looking for when you reach for a cigarette.
Combined with prayer and accountability, change will become sustainable.
Here is the uncomfortable truth: If we do not tune into what’s going on within us, we will substitute one behavior for another. For example, we might switch cigarettes for candy or another form of coping. In my case, I turned to menthol toothpicks. Maybe I needed that for a season while I was doing deeper inner work, but I eventually had to grow past that.
And, curiosity is what sparks change!
Our emotions need to be felt and tuned into, and addictive substances and behaviors are often messengers. (This can manifest in many ways - binge watching TV shows or movies, binge eating, obsessive thought patterns, overeating, gossiping, etc.). Our behaviors, when we tune into them, often tell us a lot about ourselves.
Whether you’re a smoker or not, I hope you found these tips helpful. I think we can all look at the unhealthy behaviors we’ve cultivated and ask ourselves why we’re really practicing them. It’s the first step to healing and change.
For more of my story, you can check the original Instagram post here! Follow along for more support and healthy chats.
Need help tuning into and learning more about nervous system health and how it impacts your behaviors? Check out my course, Aligned + Renewed, or contact me for a consultation!
