Quit Smoking - The Power of Imagination

Since around 1976, as a hypnotherapist, I have helped many thousands of people to quit smoking.

I have found that the problem that many people find when quitting smoking is that they underestimate the psychological addiction, which in my view tends to be around 90% of smoking addiction, and they overestimate the 10% addiction that is physical. The physical addiction to smoking tends to be short-lived because once a physical sensation has been registered and acknowledged by the conscious mind, it tends to disappear, like a puff of smoke - no pun intended there.

The psychological addiction to smoking is so powerful because it involves the power of the imagination, and the will is powerless against the imagination. In this short essay, it is my intention to help those who are really prepared and willing to quit smoking using the imagination. The imagination is used in hypnosis and is a way to tap into the awesome power of the subconscious mind. Even the fact that the subconscious has an awesome power, is down to the imagination. In my (Zen) view, the imagination is the subconscious and the subconscious is the imagination - one and the same thing.

• The first step is to ask yourself if you are really willing to quit smoking.
• The second is to commit to quit smoking.

Without these two steps your intention to quit smoking may be designated to another failure.

Willingness:

It needs to be recognised that being willing to quit smoking and wanting to stop smoking isn't quite the same. I have met so many people who have said to me, "Yes, I want to quit smoking" but then had to think more carefully when I have asked them if they are really willing to quit smoking.

Commitment:

Once you decide you are willing to quit smoking, there has to be commitment, and that commitment needs to be absolute and unconditional. Commitment needs to be like diving from a high diving board - one is not committed until one's feet has left the board and one is hurtling towards the swimming pool below. There is no turning around in mid air, that is commitment.

Using the mind and imagination, imagine what such a commitment would be like. Imagine that the only thing that would change it would be something that was beyond your control like a sudden tornado or hurricane that would come along and blow your body back up to the diving board again. Highly unlikely, right?

Now imagine this... Your word to quit smoking is your word to yourself. In order for you to quit, nothing short of some highly unlikely event beyond your control, will thwart you from your commitment to better health and improved wealth that you will experience when you have quit smoking.

If you break this commitment, it is likely that you will spend the rest of your life quitting smoking. Just like Mark Twain humorously said, "Quitting smoking is easy, I've done it a thousand times!"

If this is how you want your life to be, keep TRYING to quit smoking. If you want that improved health and wealth, don't TRY.... COMMIT TO QUIT SMOKING. Again note the distinction between trying and committing to quit smoking!

Once your commitment is in place - and it should be if you are really serious with your intent to quit smoking - you can now begin to use the power of imagination and visualisation.

Each day, and every time you think about lighting up...

• Imagine what it would be like to be smoking free.
• Imagine what it would be like to be able to get out of breath without coughing your lungs up, for instance.
• Imagine that you have a fresher, cleaner taste in you mouth.
• If you are in a country where smoking is banned in public places, imagine that you can go into restaurants and public places without worrying about having to go outside because you are the victim of smoking addiction.
• Imagine what you could buy with the money that you will save because you no longer spend it on smoking.

Many people have said to me, "It's OK for you, you don't smoke"

That's true, because I quit way back in the 1970s.

Other things to be aware of and some handy tips on quitting smoking....

• You are never a non-smoker when you quit smoking, you are always addicted to smoking. Therefore one draw of tobacco smoke has a strong potential to get you hooked on smoking again.
• If your motivation in quitting smoking is better health, do something in the way of exercise or healthy eating to improve your health and well-being.
• If your motivation in quitting smoking is to improve your wealth, get a large container and put the money you would normally spend on smoking into that container each day. From time to time as the weeks go by, count the money that has accumulated and imagine what you would like to buy for yourself as a reward.

Before I became a hypnotherapist, I worked as a professional musician and used to smoke up to 3 packs of 20 cigarettes a day. One day, I was invited to play tennis with a good friend of mine. Within 5 minutes of the game, I had to stop and sit down. I couldn't stop coughing and felt extremely light-headed as I was unable to get enough oxygen into my brain! I committed there and then to quit. I had not long started my training to become a hypnotherapist and I was aware of the power of the imagination. I used all the techniques I have outlined above and have never smoked a cigarette since. On rare occasions throughout the years, I have been tempted. I then simply used the power of my imagination to imagine what it would be like if I lit just one cigarette. I would probably say to myself that it is OK that I don't smoke and I won't do so tomorrow. But tomorrow is always tomorrow. And then my loss of commitment to better health would be gone and I would soon be smoking regularly again. This scenario to me is horrific and more than enough to get me to refuse to draw tobacco smoke into my body ever again. Such is the power of my imagination that I have worked on over the years. It's just like any muscle in the body, the more I use it, the stronger it becomes.

Derek Ayre is a registered hypnotherapist established in the UK in 1976. After becoming a Zen practitioner in 1980, he uses its powerful influence to help his clients both on and off-line. http://ayrehypnotherapy.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Ayre

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1342157

3 Ways to Quit Smoking Effectively

There are various ways to quit smoking or stop smoking tips that are available for a smoker to consider and choose from. Some ways quit smoking appear strange and simple but it has been proven effective by those who tried. Some are very elaborate and it also worked for some others who tried it.

It is entirely up to an individual smoker to look at the various options and decide on which one suits him or her best. What is important is that it can help the smoker to quit smoking.

Rubber Band Method

Mrs Janet MacAinsh of Howell Michigan managed to break her 26 years of a-pack-a-day smoking habit with the help of a rubber band. The rubber band is placed loosely around the wrist (to prevent blocked blood flow). Whenever she had the urge for a smoke, she just snapped the rubber band against her skin.

According to preliminary research done at the University of Oregon, the approach did help some people to quit smoking.

Changing Brand

Alias was able to keep his cigarette smoking in check by regularly changing his brand. The idea is to ensure that we will not get used to the same brand. Regular changing of brands can help us reduce the smoking habit as it will take some time for a smoker to get used to the different tobacco blends.

I have tried this method but after taking a more radical measure by switching to cheaper brands, I gave up after a while for two reasons. First, I started enjoying the tastes of these brands and second, I felt the 'cheaper' brands might convey the wrong message to my business contacts.

Stop Smoking Herbs

There are a variety of different companies that sell stop smoking herbs for the specific purpose of helping people quit smoking. Recommended as one of the best ways to quit smoking on the market today, you can purchase these herbal cigarettes in a variety of different flavors.

They are made with different herbs that have different effects on the bodies of those who are trying to quit smoking. For instance, you can purchase calming herbs that help you deal with the stress of quitting, or you can purchase herbs that help with your irritability, depression or moodiness. If you are planning to try one of these quit smoking products, you should sample a variety of different herbs in order to find the one that works best for your needs.

To get FREE REPORT on Ways Quit Smoking, just visit to our website.

John Lam is the founder of Stop Smoking Herbs - website where review the best seller for stop smoking herbs. You can get the latest market trend and information about natural smoking cessation and quit smoking aids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_K_Lam

Best Way to Quit Smoking - Yes, You Can Quit Smoking Easily

A question that most smokers who are considering quitting smoking ask is "What is the best way to quit smoking?" or if there are more than one ways "What are the best ways to quit smoking?" There are several ways and several techniques out there that can help you quit smoking. Different people will have different preferences, so the answer to the above question will be different for different people.

To start with, you have to put everything in proper perspective. You need to analyze the situation seriously. So, sit down somewhere and write down the situations where you like to smoke best. I am sure you know these situations very well because usually these are the same for most people. It is usually when you are having a good time with friends or colleagues or when you are stressed out. Once you identify those situations, you need to think of a solution for how you want to deal with that situation. Try to remove or avoid everything that reminds you of smoking.

Next, think about and decide the day you will stop. It can be immediately or after some time when a more favorable or important moment comes. A word of warning, don't use this as an excuse to procrastinate.

Let people know that you are going to quit. Give them the impression that you are taking this as a challenge. Then take it as a challenge. The social admiration might possibly be the reason for never going back to smoking.

Watch over your eating and drinking habits. Drink lots of water, and eat lots of fresh fruits. Avoid excessive tea and coffee.

Make sure you get enough physical relaxation and also balance it with physical exercise like walking or swimming.

Give an incentive to yourself. Keep a goal and reward yourself when you achieve that goal. The goal can be no smoking for 3 weeks and don't reward yourself with a cigarette after that period. Instead, you can treat yourself with a trip to your favorite restaurant and give yourself something like CD or cloths.

Try to stop immediately instead of gradually as that will never happen. If you fail, don't give up. Instead analyze the situation, find out the when, where and how and try to avoid that next time.

One of the biggest problems that you will face after you decide to quit smoking is what the professionals call withdrawal symptoms. You will get strong desire to smoke. You need to be strong against that desire. Don't worry, this desire will not stay forever, it will go after a while. Try to distract yourself with something interesting while it lasts.
There's no reason you should be embarrassed about your smoking habits anymore. Get the information you need to effectively quit smoking. Visit our Quit Smoking page and download our FREE eBook called "Yes, You Can Quit Smoking." Join the thousands we have been able to help through this eBook and newsletter. Limited Copies Available, so Hurry and Visit us now at http://www.quitsmoking.by-expert.com/Yes-You-Can-Quit-Smoking.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erat_Picken

How Do I Help Someone Quit Smoking?

If someone you love is attempting to give up he smoking habit, you are probably very glad; there is no doubt that smoking causes all sorts of health problems and is a causative factor in many deaths every year, so you are probably thinking to yourself, "How do I help someone quit smoking?"

This is a very reasonable question, and if you are determined to help your friend, coworker, spouse, or other relative, it says a lot about who you are as a person. And, don't worry, even though you cannot just will for your friend to quit the cigarette habit, there are things you can do to help him or her quit.

Here are some things you can and should do:

· Offer to lend an ear or a word of encouragement. You know how recovering addicts and alcoholics usually have a sponsor they can call when they feel weak? A smoker might benefit from a telephone call or visit. Ask and then if your friend says yes, be sure to call or drop by to offer some support.

· Spend some time doing things with her so she has something to do to take her mind off of cigarettes. Whatever you do, don't take him or her to a bar; there are too many smokers there.

· Help with everyday chores or responsibilities. Most smokers feel stressed out when they try to quit, and taking a little bit of life's burdens off their hands for a while can be a big help.

· Be forgiving. Many smokers will be irritable or downright grouchy when they are quitting smoking; try not to take it personally, and learn to forgive and forget.

· Celebrate with little rewards like a nice lunch out or a shopping trip to the mall or whatever the smoker would like from time to time. Quitting smoking is hard, and if you make up milestones to celebrate, your friend or loved one is more likely to feel proud and keep up the hard work.
Do you want to quit but do not know where to start? 
Check out a system that has achieved a 95% success rate and Quit Smoking Today 
Enjoy The World's Best Lung Detox Program

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Dyer

Time to Quit Smoking

Can there possibly be anyone left in the modern world that doesn't know about the risks of smoking? People are finding more and more about the disadvantages of smoking and that there are fewer places for them to smoke at least in public. The general consensus seems to be that there should be more places banned from what non-smokers see as the curse of smoking.

Smoking causes cancer and it may also accelerate the growth of existing cancers, so now is the time to quit smoking before it is too late to undo the smoking damage being done to your system. Nicotine in cigarette smoke could stimulate the production of a molecule which can make lung cancer cells more aggressive and encourages them to divide and multiply. Smoking may also boost the growth of existing tumors as well as triggering cancer.

Now that smoking has been banned from all workplaces, it won't be long before the government outlaws smoking in your own car, which amounts to saying they already have if you drive a company car.

In many ways it would be a good thing if smoking is banned in more places because more people every year are looking for easier ways to quit smoking and the fewer places to smoke will help because anyone who has ever tried to quit, knows how hard it really is...

Smoking causes cancer. We've all heard that. Everyone knows that developing lung cancer is one of the most devastating side effects of smoking. However, what is less known is that it puts smokers at risk of many other types of cancers as well, for example, mouth cancer, cancer of the larynx (voice box), bladder (to which I can personally testify), pancreas and cervix among several others.

My time to quit smoking came when my Consultant Surgeon told me I had a tumor in my bladder and that smoking was the cause of the cancer. I did quit then and there and I'm glad I did because I'm still here to tell the tale.

Smoking dramatically raises the risk of lung disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis which are progressive in nature and can eventually be life threatening. When you understand what smoking does to you and that the likelihood of you dying from a heart attack is twice that of non-smokers, it makes you realize that the effect of smoking is to gradually kill you. And all the while, cost you your deteriorating health and lots of money!

When you accept that it is time to quit smoking, the first few weeks can seem interminable but it is important not to let this overshadow the greater purpose and really keep going with a positive attitude. Knowing that the damaging effects are diminishing every day will help you to resist the craving to light a cigarette. Because nicotine is such a powerful stimulant, your body needs time and a great deal of effort to learn to live without it. It is natural to feel tired, drained out and fatigued during the first few days after you quit smoking.

Try to set a new routine, such as working out or going to the gym to raise your energy levels. If that isn't possible, you should try waking up earlier and going for a short walk. If you can turn that walk into a run or a jog, it is going to be very stimulating and the best way that you can start your day after you quit smoking.
Has your Time To Quit Smoking arrived? No Smoking Day is a great time to quit.

Peter Fisher is an ex-smoker and Webmaster for http://www.Your-Career-Change.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Fisher

Ways to Quit Smoking - Different Methods to Try

There are different ways to quit smoking but these ways can be difficult to apply, much less, follow. Moreover, withdrawal symptoms may be difficult to cope with when you are in the process of quitting the habit. These symptoms include lack of or inability to concentrate, irritability, increased cravings and anxiety. Withdrawal syndrome may occur because your body normally craves for nicotine, which is an addictive substance in cigarettes.

However, the good news is that there are actually several ways to quit smoking. You only have to find the right method that suits you best. Here are some ways to quit smoking:

1. Hypnotherapy. This approach can give moderate effect on curbing the habit. In hypnotherapy, you subject yourself to a hypnosis session in which the therapist does an auto suggestion technique that gives you the will power to stop smoking.

2. Alternative Therapies. There are several therapies that can help smokers kick the cigarette habit through control of nicotine craving. Some examples of these therapies include acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy and meditation. In acupuncture, small needles of different lengths and sizes are inserted into predetermined points of the body that affect energy flow to the mouth, lungs, respiratory system and some parts of the brain that stimulate cigarette craving. Acupuncture is mostly effective during the first hours of nicotine craving.

3. Laser Treatment. This treatment is done by placing a low intensity beam of light on certain energy points of the body. Laser helps discharge endorphins, which are chemicals that help lower the smoker's nicotine craving. However, a laser treatment can be quite expensive, which can cost roughly about a hundred dollars per session.

4. Medications. Medications that can reduce your cigarette craving may be purchased over the counter or will need a doctor's prescription. These prescriptions can either be relaxants or sedatives that help control or calm the nerves, which are usually prescribed either on a regular or SOS basis.

5. Strong willpower. Nothing beats the good old fashioned way to quit smoking than to have willpower. Willpower costs you nothing. It is but a state of mind. And if you really want to succeed with your goal, you must have strong willpower.

6. Call for counseling. Willpower needs a little boost with counseling as well. It is essential for behavioral support. Whether you like individual or group counseling, it is up to you. A number of private groups, charitable organization and government institutions offer counseling services for those who want to quit smoking.

So make it your resolve to kick the cigarette habit. With control, consistency and commitment, these ways to quit smoking can pave your path towards a healthy lifestyle.

Davion W advocates healthy living. Find out how you can pick up some useful tips and an easy way to quit smoking book at http://www.clickbankproductreview.com/effectivewaystoquitsmoking.php.
Author's review website on clickbank products: http://www.clickbankproductreview.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Tho

Stop Smoking Pills

Smoking is a horrible addiction that affects millions of people. Many times people spend years trying to quit. Popular solutions include nicotine patches and gum. While many times they do work, they also contain nicotine. It's the smoke and tar that causes cancer, not the nicotine. However the nicotine is the part of cigarettes that are addictive. These methods work by providing the body with nicotine, while keeping it away from the harmful chemicals. However, many people want to quite the addiction all together. What's the use of quitting when you'll just end up being addicted to the gum? But now there's hope. Recently a stop smoking pill has been introduced that will help you control your desire to smoke and contains no nicotine whatsoever. Now it's possible to be free of the addiction all together.

Zyban was the first pill on the market and is the most popular. Many people will remember this as a way to treat depression. Zyban gives people the same type of feeling as smoking by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. Don't worry there are other alternatives. Varenicline (or Chantix) is a newer drug on the market. It works the same way as Zyban does. In both cases it's recommended that you start taking the drugs a week or 2 before you try to quit.

Both of these drugs can have some pretty harsh side effects. This is why it's important to consult your physician before taking any medication. He'll be able to advise you on the proper dosages and if they'll react with any other medications you may be taking.
For more information on the pill to help you quit smoking, please visit our site: stop smoking today We're a website that's dedicated to helping people stop smoking.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Bock