How to Stop Smoking

People are often asking me if I can recommend any herbs to help them stop smoking.  So, I decided to share with you how I stopped smoking 20 years ago.

First of all, there is no easy way out when it comes to quitting smoking.  You have to make the decision and follow through.  Period. You have to be ready and willing to make the change. Quitting smoking is 95% mental and emotional. Fortunately, there are some mindset techniques to help you along.

This is what I did.  

I treated my relationship to nicotine just as I would any other relationship that I was ending.  I "broke up" with nicotine.  I decided it was no longer healthy for me, I ended the relationship, I drew a line in the sand and said "no more!"  

Any time I wanted to call (smoke), I reminded myself that I was finished with that relationship, it was no longer healthy for me and in time, it would all get easier.  In the beginning, I was reminding myself every hour or more.  But when you're done, you're done.  When it's time to move on then that's what you have to do. Period.

Similar to ending a relationship, you need new things to fill your time.  I began walking, going to the gym, hiking, playing sports - all of the things that I didn't have the lung capacity for as a smoker.  

Every time I wanted to smoke, I walked out the door for a brisk walk instead. When I was walking, I drew in long, deep breaths of CLEAN air telling myself that I was purifying my lungs.  

I avoided certain situations and even friends for a while.  I had to avoid certain social situations that were connected to smoking for me until I grew stronger.  I avoided alcohol for 6 months to a year.  When I did have a drink again, I started out with just one.  The more drinks you have, the less will power you have, so I took things very slow until I could break the association I had between alcohol and smoking.

Over time, you start creating new associations and habits.  With every passing day, it gets easier and easier.  One day you walk past someone smoking and think it STINKS!  Eventually, you wonder why in the world you ever smoked in the first place.

You CAN DO THIS!!!  When you are ready, take the stand, break up with nicotine and never look back!  That's what it takes.  You have to make the decision and keep sticking with your decision every day.  Even one cigarette (just like one call to an ex) can send you back into the downward spiral.  Stay strong.  It gets easier and easier with time.

I created a very similar video if you want to check it out on my Youtube Channel.