Once the decision and commitment is made to quit smoking, a stop smoking plan needs to be initiated. Enlist the help of the Lord through Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer. Look for a good friend who can support you during this time. Set a date to stop and then do it. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, invoke your power of choice by saying, “I choose not to smoke.” The urge to smoke only lasts for 30 seconds to 3 minutes and will disappear quickly if you focus your mind elsewhere. Regardless the temptation, never give up your power of choice. To persist in your decision not to smoke is to succeed.
It is important to create new habits to replace old ones. As a habit is repeated, little pathways are established in the brain that allows the activity to be done without thinking. By replacing the bad habit of smoking with a good habit, new pathways are created in the brain while the old pathways tend to fade. It is important during this time to avoid, if possible, being in settings where others are smoking.
The nervous system of a smoker becomes accustomed to functioning with nicotine. When smoking has ceased, the reduced nicotine disturbs the unhealthy balance of the nervous system, causing withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms are cravings, irritation, anger, weight-gain, problem with concentration, depression, headaches, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. These are no cause for alarm, because they will be reduced after 24–72 hours and tend to disappear after a few weeks.
Altering your diet will improve your game plan to stop smoking. It is important not to overeat and stress the brain with a full stomach. Eat slowly, pausing between bites, and chew your food well. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar, and all drinks that “go with” your smoking habit—coffee, tea and soda. Absolutely abstain from all alcoholic beverages. It is especially beneficial to include foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates in your diet.
Because toxins are often eliminated through the skin, excellent hygiene during this time is vital. A steam bath will help eliminate toxins. You can treat yourself to a mild, calming, non-caffeinated herbal tea. Adequate rest, a relaxing, warm shower or footbath before retiring is beneficial. It is also very important to get a healthy amount of sunshine, do deep breathing exercises in the fresh outdoor air along with daily exercise.
It is beneficial to know why you smoke and then have a strategy to deal with this. If it is due to nervousness, combat the nervousness with exercise. If you like to physically manipulate the cigarette, and then start a project that uses your hands. Most of all stay busy so your mind and body are active and not dwelling on the fact that you are not smoking.
By affirming that the Lord is your strength (Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 41:10), believing (Mark 9:23; Philippians 4:13), and beholding Christ (II Corinthians 3:18) you can be changed from a smoker to a non-smoker. Choose to start your journey today, or help someone else begin a smoke-free life.