Take A Summer Vacation From Smoking
…AND BREATH EASIER FOR A LIFETIME
Summer is a great time to kick a smoking habit. Why? The season’s long days are nature’s antidepressants, and studies show that stress and negative moods cause 70% of relapse among smokers. Take advantage of your sunny disposition this season, and take a vacation from cigarettes.
What Should You Pack Before You Say “Bon Voyage” to Smoking?
Your extended stay away from nicotine, like any vacation, requires planning. A wise traveler reads-up on his or her destination before departure and your preparations are all ready underway as you read this article!
Consider this information: 50% of relapse occurs within the first five weeks of stopping, because that’s how long it takes for nicotine to circulate out of your system and for physical withdrawal symptoms to recede. You’re most likely to reach your goal if you know what to expect during this tough period. Educate yourself, develop a plan, and set a quit date ahead of time to dodge the big roadblocks–stress and cravings.
Exercise
Quitters who work out experience greater success rates and greater health benefits. The average person who stops smoking gains between 4 and 11 pounds in the process. Many smokers avoid quitting for this reason, but making a healthy choice should not necessitate gaining weight. Start an exercise routine before you quit and you will boost your metabolism and confidence.
In addition to regular exercise, walking is a great replacement for a smoking break. Ten minutes of walking will send fresh air into your lungs and dopamine through your brain. Both effects relieve stress and cravings.
Your Connecting Flight: Supplements and Substitutes to Stop Smoking
Getting from here to there cold turkey is next to impossible. Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs out there. Quitting cigarettes shouldn’t be thought of in terms of mind over matter, because your body chemistry is changed by regular smoking.
St. John’s Wart is a herbal supplement that can lessen stress by increasing the release of dopamine. You can buy extract in pill or capsule form at most drug stores. Start taking the supplement twice daily two or three weeks before you plan to stop smoking for most effectiveness. Check with your doctor before starting on St. John’s Wart, as it can interact with drugs like oral contraceptives and antidepressants.
Wild Oat is commonly used to treat insomnia and nervous exhaustion, because it calms the nervous system. Studies now show it can help reduce nicotine cravings. Wild oat can be found in health food stores as a liquid tincture. Put ten drops in water or juice and drink three times daily.
Orange Juice and Cream of Tartar Drink helps flush nicotine from your system for speedier reduction of withdrawal symptoms. You can find cream of tartar in the spice section of your grocery store. Add half a teaspoon to a glass of orange juice and drink the mixture before going to bed.
Cloves Oil is available at most health food shops. Whole Cloves can be found at the grocery store. Both are good for quelling the urge to smoke. Place a drop of clove oil on the back of your tongue or chew on a clove and you’ll enjoy a flavorful taste as well as a numbing sensation.
Chewing Gum, Toothpicks, Carrot or Celery Sticks are a popular for keeping your hands and mouth busy when you’ve recently stopped smoking and the
Tour Guides: Hypnotists, Acupuncturists, Naturopaths, and of course YOU!
Hypnosis is a way of unwinding psychological dependencies. A hypnotist can guide you through the subconscious emotional ties that bind you to a smoking addiction.
Acupuncture uses very thin needles to target specific treatment points that are associated with smoking-related organs such as the lungs, airways, and mouth. An acupuncturists can also guide you in using acupressure at specific point to help yourself along the way.
A Naturopath is a great tour guide to have on your side for such a treacherous journey. He or she can draw on a combination of multiple therapies that works best to heal you mind, body, and spirit.
Ultimately, the success of your vacation away from cigarette is in your hands. You probably have a good idea about what methods of quitting will work best for you. Learn more about getting from point A to B by contacting our office. We’d be pleased to see you on the shores of a happy, healthy, smoke-free future!