What to Do After Your Stop Smoking Hypnosis Session

 

Your stop smoking hypnosis session may be over but there’s still work to come to ensure you remain smoke-free. Here’s what I tell my clients.

But first, so you know what to expect, let me tell you many clients I see have the one stop smoking session, leave my practice and never feel like smoking again.I have many testimonials to prove this at my web site.

But for some they still get some cravings after the session that eventually subside, and still fewer that struggle to quit and need a follow up visit.

This is the truth and you should be skeptical of any therapist that guarantees you’ll never feel like smoking another cigarette again after one session. This can’t possibly be true for everybody.

The hypnosis session you have will lay the foundation for a smoke-free life but to be successful in the long-term you need to alter your habits and your behaviors to support your new direction and attitude towards smoking. There are five things I’ve found increase a smoker’s chance of staying smoke free following their hypnosis session.

These are:

•    Exercising on a regular basis
•    Modifying your diet
•    Staying away from other smokers
•    Keeping your reasons for quitting in mind
•    Rewarding yourself for your progress

Exercising on a Regular Basis:

Many years of smoking can harm your heart. Now is the time to start rebuilding it. Begin by walking 15 to 20 minutes a day. Once you’ve established a routine then increase your walking time and walk at a brisker pace. In time add other forms of exercise to your life such as bike rides, swimming or playing a sport. Even tossing a ball or Frisbee around in the park is exercise! Once you feel comfortable with these activities, progress to signing up for a membership at your local gym or health facility.

As always consult with your physician if there is any reason why physical exertion would cause you discomfort or concern.

Modifying Your Diet:

If you didn’t eat healthy as a smoker then it’s time to start now!

There are also those who fear  giving up smoking will cause them to eat more because they are looking for a substitute for cigarettes. Weight gain is not a worry if you eat in moderation and eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Make sure that fruits and vegetables comprise a large percentage of your daily food intake.

Reduce or completely eliminate from your diet foods and beverages that are high in fat and sugar. It is also important  you drink plenty of water.

Staying Away From Other Smokers:

Your life is different now so avoid people who smoke.

When a loved one or friend decides to smoke, remove yourself from the vicinity. This is particularly the case in the first six months to a year when the potential for relapse is the highest. If your spouse smokes then to improve your chances of permanent success it’s wise for the two of you to participate in a smoking cessation program at the same time.

It’s not impossible for a spouse to quit while the other continues but it’s much harder than if you both determined to stop – but for the right reasons of course!

Keeping Your Reasons for Quitting in Mind:

There might be days when your stop smoking resolve is tested, and so you need to plan in advance for those times. Take a minute to write out on a piece of paper your reasons for quitting. The more specific you can be the better. Put this piece of paper in your wallet or purse and take it out and read it when you are feeling at your lowest. You will be surprised at how reading your own words can make you feel better!

Rewarding Yourself for Your Progress:

Quitting smoking and staying out of the trap is a process that takes effort and energy. For some it can be a struggle for others a “walk in the park.” But not matter how easy or difficult your individual journey, you need to reward yourself whenever you feel it’s appropriate.

Treat yourself to something special after your first week of not smoking, or your first month. Or treat yourself after making it through a holiday without cigarettes. Being good to yourself by going to see a movie or having a massage can go a long way to keeping you motivated to stay on the smoke-free path.

The most common feedback I get from smoker clients who quit is weight gain. While my Stop Smoking hypnosis Programs covers this issue if the smoker mentions it as a concern when we do the interview, I do have special follow-up sessions if it’s an issue later. I also cover it in my group programs.

 

Erika Slater, CH
Director
Free At Last Hypnosis