By Jessica Simmerman, Director of Insurance
Smoking Is Not a Mind Game. It’s an Addiction.
You may have clicked on this as a smoker thinking, “Smoking is not a mind game. It’s an addiction.” You are absolutely right, but let me tell you my story. I smoked a pack of cigarettes per day starting at age 16. It took me about 8 weeks before I started feeling comfortable with my new lifestyle change of being an ex-smoker. However, the first few weeks after quitting were the most difficult. The withdrawals from nicotine gave me headaches, anxiety, and nausea. I craved a cigarette all of the time. I was also the unlucky type that experienced strep-throat, bronchitis, and the flu while I was trying to quit. My body was undergoing the detoxification process. My doctor informed me my immune system was in shock, and I would eventually get healthy. I have been smoke free since December 25, 2014, and I feel great now!
Only You Can Decide To Stop.
I would like to say that I quit, because my grandma was diagnosed with lung cancer…,but I didn’t quit even then. My grandma was going through chemotherapy and radiation after being a lifetime smoker, but that didn’t make me stop. My daughter asked me to stop smoking too for years, but that didn’t stop me either. I thought, “That wouldn’t happen to me.” I was going to stop when I was ready, and I had to find a way to motivate myself to stop smoking.
What Products Did You Use to Quit Smoking?
I didn’t use any products to quit smoking. I played a game with myself—a mind game. I imagined my kids and husband on a pack of cigarettes. When I thought about reasons to stop smoking, I asked myself, “What am I going to miss in their lives when I die from smoking?” I was going to miss my kids playing sports, graduating, getting married, having kids, and just living their lives. My husband wasn’t going to have a partner by his side through the milestones. My family needs me now and will need me then, so I can’t be selfish and smoke.
If you are reading this as a smoker, ask yourself, “What will you miss in your family’s lives if you die from smoking?” You probably won’t like the answer.
Not everyone can stop smoking by themselves, so if you or someone you know wants to stop smoking and needs support—please schedule an appointment with us or call us at 417-887-8075 to see if Loehr Chiro can help you stop smoking naturally.