Utilizing as many coping skills and available tools to assist you in stopping smoking is important. One of these tools is free and always accessible – being aware of your thoughts and staying positive.
Evidence shows us that our thoughts can affect our emotions, our behaviors, and our outcomes in many situations. You have the power to always keep your thoughts positive and healthy.
When you hear yourself say, “Stopping smoking is just too difficult,” make a conscious effort to change that thought to “Stopping smoking may be difficult, but it’s not unbearable, and I will feel better and be healthier.”
Some people write positive self-affirmations and take mindful moments throughout the day to read them. The following are statements you can focus on several times a day:
“I happily picture my smoke-free lifestyle.”
“I am proud to be a nonsmoker.”
“I love being able to breathe better.”
Add some of your own personal positive affirmations to the statements above and keep up the good work!
Dr. Richard D. Hurt is an internationally recognized expert on tobacco dependence. A native of Murray, Kentucky, he joined Mayo Clinic in 1976 and is now a Professor of Medicine at its College of Medicine. In 1988, he founded the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center and since then its staff has treated more than 50,000 patients for tobacco dependence. Send your questions directly to Dr. Hurt at AskTheExpert@becomeanex.org
