Quitting smoking through sheer willpower alone can be extremely challenging, if not downright impossible for some people. According to Health.com, certain alternative or holistic techniques can help address specific lifestyle issues, such as stress, not generally covered by conventional medical treatment. Holistic methods such as yoga, meditation, hypnosis and acupuncture may be beneficial alternatives or supplements to other methods of quitting smoking. According to Linda Thomas, manager of Tobacco Consultation Services for the University of Michigan's M-Healthy Program, learning to deal with the negative aspects of life through techniques such as meditation may help you successfully become a nonsmoker.
Step 1
Inform your family and friends that you do not wish to be disturbed for at least 30 minutes. Create your own soothing environment as a way to temporarily tune out the world. Turn off the ringer on your phone, close the shades and light some incense or aromatherapy candles, if you wish.
Step 2
Put on comfortable clothing or loosen any tight or constrictive belts, pants buckles or shirt buttons. Place a yoga mat or blanket on the floor to provide support and cushioning for your body.
Step 3
Place your hands on your abdomen and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing. Observe the natural flow of your breathing. Try to lengthen your inhalations and exhalations. Breathe with this conscious, mindful manner for at least five minutes. Conscious breathing is also a beneficial way of alleviating stress and tension, especially when you feel the urge to smoke. It refocuses your mind and relaxes your body, according to HelpGuide.
Step 4
Begin the body scan technique. The body scan is a useful method to practice whenever you have a craving for a cigarette, according to HealthMad. The body scan consists of focusing on different parts of your body and simply tuning into your thoughts and sensations. Start with your feet and progressively work your way up to your head, paying mindful attention to each area for several breaths.
Step 5
Develop a mental image of yourself as a nonsmoker. Imagine that your lungs become clearer, your breathing becomes easier, you stop coughing and your blood pressure and heart rate are returning to normal. Try to feel what it would be like to no longer be dependent on cigarettes. According to SelfGrowth.com, using visualization exercises can help to mentally prepare you to become a nonsmoker. Continue this practice for the duration of your meditation session.
Tips and Warnings
- If visualization is difficult for you or you find yourself becoming distracted, you can also purchase guided visualization programs online or from a bookstore.
Things You'll Need
- Incense
- Aromatherapy candles
- Yoga mat or blanket
References
- Health.com: Alternative Methods for Quitting Smoking: Hypnosis, Acupuncture, Meditation
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center: How to Stop Smoking
- HealthMad: How to Quit Smoking with Meditation
- SelfGrowth.com: Quit Smoking Techniques - 7 Steps With Creative Visualization
- HelpGuide: Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief: Relaxation Exercises and Tips
