QUITTING THOSE CIGARETTES FOR A HEALTHY HEART: REWARD YOURSELF
Let’s face it, this is not the easiest thing in the world to do, and you deserve a reward. In fact, you deserve lots of rewards. So start planning some. What would you like to do with the money you save by not buying those daily packs and weekly cartons? Make a list of little things, and maybe some bigger things. Then, on a regular basis as you remain smoke-free, treat yourself. Do something nice for yourself each and every day.
Announce your achievement in terms of a progress report to your friends now and then, and tell them about your rewards.
Is this just silliness? Much to the contrary, you’ll be enhancing your chances at being successful in your efforts. In a research study to determine what separated the quitters from the failures, psychologists found that use of rewards and positive reminders made the difference. Unsuccessful individuals tended to use negative reminders, such as how they would appear weak and lacking in willpower to others. These findings are backed up by other research which similarly indicates success in weight loss using these techniques.
Trouble Shooting
Dry Mouth: sip cold water, suck on hard lollies, chew sugarless gum
Insomnia: avoid alcohol and caffeine; take a warm bath before
retiring; meditate
Irregularity: drink lots of water, increase soluble fibre in the diet
Hunger: keep lots of low-kilojoule snacks in the refrigerator, eat
more frequently
Coughing: sip warm decaf beverages; suck on cough drops or hard
lollies.
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Cardio & Blood/ Cholesterol
