10 Things to Kill Time Instead of Smoking

Let's face it, smoking is a habit that's hard to kick, but here's the harsh truth: smoking is the only product that, when used as intended, can actually kill you. Yikes!

I'm definitely not here to lecture you. I smoked for years, and only gave up when I got pregnant with my first child. Luckily by the time he was born my desire for a cigarette was long gone, but I know that without that incentive I would have found it incredibly hard to give up. Yes, we all know smoking is bad for us. The moment we light up that first cigarette, we're introducing our body to a cocktail of harmful chemicals. Over 250 toxic substances, including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and ammonia, are in each puff we take. And out of these, 69 are known to cause cancer. Not exactly the kind of cocktail we'd want at a party, right?

But even knowing this doesn't usually help us give up. Our addiction overrides our frontal lobe logic and the truth is that most smokers, if given the chance, would turn back time and never light up that first cigarette. Why? Because nicotine is as addictive as it is deceptive. Sure, it might seem relaxing and stress-relieving at first, but it's also a sneaky little devil that induces long-lasting feelings of stress and anxiety.

The good news is that quitting smoking isn't a walk in the park, but it's not impossible. At first you might find yourself reaching for that cigarette pack without even realising it. But remember, you're stronger than your cravings. You can take control and make a change for the better.

So, how do you quit smoking? There are countless remedies out there, from medications to alternative methods like vaping or e-cigarettes. But these methods have their own side effects and can be just as unhealthy. One of the best and healthiest ways to quit smoking is through hypnotherapy. With our self-hypnotherapy audios, we guide you into a state of hypnosis where you can tackle the root cause of your addiction. It's like having a deep, meaningful conversation with your subconscious mind, helping you understand why you smoke and how to stop. It's a 100% guaranteed successful therapy at finding, treating, and eliminating an addiction from your subconscious thoughts. These are the thoughts that control you more than you think, even though you're never consciously in control of them. This misconception leads us to think there's no way out from addiction. But trust me, there is. And we're here to help you find it.

We're here to offer you a way out, an escape from the bind that seals you to that cellophane wrapper enclosing a box of 20 deadly sticks. We want to guide you to break that routine and fight those triggers you think control you. Remember, nothing controls you but you. That cigarette packet is not a keep-safe or a relief, it's a death sentence that you sign yourself up for every time you take a drag.

We have a variety of different options of self-hypnotherapy to quit smoking - there is the individual quit smoking pack you can find here. Or a session that will guide you into quitting smoking while you sleep here. Or you can opt for the Quit Smoking Essentials Pack, which contains both of the others as well as a bundle of other hypnotherapy sessions designed to help you quit smoking. You can find the link here. This pack includes a helpful instruction workbook, as well as interactive material like a ‘trigger log’ where you list what triggers you to smoke.

So, what can you do instead of reaching for that cigarette pack? Here are 10 things you can do in the moment when the urge to smoke strikes:

1. Deep Breathing: This is a quick and easy way to distract yourself. Take a deep breath in, hold it for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Repeat this a few times until the craving subsides.
   
   
2. Drink Water: Hydrating yourself can help to beat the craving. Keep a water bottle handy and take a few sips when you feel the urge to smoke.
   
   
3. Chew Gum or Mints: Having something in your mouth can help distract you from the craving. Keep a pack of gum or mints in your pocket for these moments.
   
   
4. Listen to Music: Put on your favourite song or playlist. Music can be a great distraction and mood booster.
   
   
5. Do a Quick Exercise: Do a set of push-ups, sit-ups, or jumping jacks. Physical activity can help distract you and reduce the intensity of cravings.
   
   
6. Stretch: Stand up and do some light stretching. This can help to relax your body and mind, and distract you from the urge to smoke.
   
   
7. Doodle or Sketch: Keep a small notebook and pen handy. Doodling or sketching can be a great way to keep your hands busy and distract your mind.
   
   
8. Text a Friend: Reach out to a friend for a quick chat. This can provide a distraction and also give you some support.
   
   
9. Play a Game on Your Phone: There are plenty of free games available that can keep your mind occupied for a few minutes until the craving passes.
   
   
10. Practice Mindfulness: Focus on your surroundings, the sounds you hear, the things you see. This can help to bring your mind away from the craving and into the present moment.
    
    

Remember, cravings typically last only a few minutes. Distracting yourself with these activities can help you get through those tough moments and stay on track with your goal to quit smoking.

And most importantly, stay away from wherever you usually buy your cigarettes. If you don't buy cigarettes, you won't have them at home tempting you. Instead, go to the magazine stall, snack bar, sports section to buy some new trainers for the gym. Anywhere but the tobacco stall!

Take the chance of a lifetime and break away from the tie you have to the pack of 20 at the bottom of your bag or inside your jeans pocket. It's time to find a new release. Follow this link to find out how. You've got this!