First, becoming a quitter begins with seeing yourself differently. What we mean is this: while you’re sitting with family or friends, or are coping with stress imagine not smoking – in fact, imagine yourself not even thinking about having a smoke.
Now, take a moment and see you relaxing, socializing, or being comfortable with family or friends without the thought of smoking entering your mind. This is basically how a non-smoker feels. See and feel yourself relaxed, confident, and enjoying the pleasure of the moment without a cigarette. Bring as much detail as you can to your picture: imagine the colour of the walls, the furniture…
Now imagine the conversation and imagine your body not craving a cigarette. You’re living the same lifestyle as you are now, but the need for tobacco is not at all involved.
How good would you feel? What would you notice? Do you notice that there’s no smell of smoke on your fingers and clothes? Can you see yourself not searching through your pockets for a lighter? Can you see yourself being you, without tobacco? How much extra spare time will you have? How will your clothes smell? How clean will your car be?
It’s important to imagine all of the positive things you can do in your new spare time. Practice visualizing these things daily.
Members,
Please tell us how it feels to be a non-smoker!
Ashley, Health Educator
