The challenge of quitting smoking
I often think of the day I smoked my last cigarette. That day marked the beginning of a considerably better life, although it certainly wasn’t easy at first. I don’t remember how I started smoking, maybe it was to appear older or give the image of a sophisticated woman. However, I soon realized the negative effects that smoking had on my athletic performance, which motivated me to end the addiction before it irreversibly impacted my health.
Allen Carr’s support and other tips to overcome addiction
Upon purchasing Allen Carr’s famous book, ‘It’s Easy to Quit Smoking If You Know How’, I found valuable advice that, although it didn’t make the process ‘easy’ as the title promised, was of great help to me. Carr masterfully explains how the brain tries to trick us into smoking, providing tools to resist that compulsion. It is crucial to understand that withdrawal lasts approximately three weeks, this being the most challenging period. After that stage, each day becomes more bearable, but it is important to maintain determination.
Practical tips to overcome temptation
1. Eliminate any tobacco and objects related to smoking, thus avoiding the temptation to resort to them.
2. Do activities after meals, such as clearing the table or helping in the kitchen, to distract your mind and resist the urge to smoke.
3. Use the money saved by quitting smoking to treat yourself monthly, incentivizing this achievement in a positive way.
4. Go for a walk in moments of weakness, thus reinforcing the determination not to give in to temptation.
5. Make changes to your daily routine, such as earlier dinner times or changing eating habits, to break mental associations with smoking.
6. Spend more time in places where smoking is prohibited, taking advantage of these situations to enjoy other activities.
7. Incorporate regular physical exercise, such as running, swimming, yoga or pilates, to keep the mind busy and promote the release of endorphins.
The reward of a smoke-free life
Quitting smoking over 15 years ago has had a positive impact on my life, from healthier skin, to significant savings, and better cardiovascular and lung health. However, the most valuable thing has been the freedom from the compulsion to smoke, a feeling I have not experienced since I quit this harmful habit. This freedom has made a noticeable difference in my quality of life, nurturing a sense of empowerment and well-being.
Experience and training of Rosa Martí
Rosa Martí is a renowned expert in literature, fitness, yoga and nutrition, with more than a decade of experience contributing to Hearst publications such as Esquire, Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Runner’s World. Her knowledge is reflected in her academic training, which includes studies in Modern Languages, Applied Languages, Art and Humanities, as well as a master’s degree in Philology and Literature. In addition, she has stood out as a translator of books and magazines, which has provided her with a unique perspective in the publishing field.
