Throughout the day, if you’re a smoker, you probably savor stealing a few precious minutes away from your hectic tasks for a cigarette break. These important “Me-Time Moments” can feel like a decadent reward and a revitalizing treat. However, are you aware that the chemicals in cigarettes include arsenic, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide? Yep, the World Health Organization reminds us that a cigarette is the only consumer product that kills its consumer when it is used as directed.
Sadly, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tells us that over 400,000 people die of tobacco-related illnesses in the United States each year—more than from auto accidents, HIV, fire, illegal drugs, alcohol, suicides, and homicides combined.
On a positive note, did you know that after you stop smoking, according to the American Cancer Society, your health benefits begin within minutes and your:
• Blood pressure and heart rate drop 20 minutes after quitting
• Carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal after 12 hours
• Lung function and circulation improve within 2 to 12 weeks of quitting
• Shortness of breath and coughing decrease one to 9 months after quitting
• Sense of smell returns and food tastes better
• Risk of heart disease drops to half the risk of a smoker—one year after you quit
A Client’s Success Story
I smoked 20-30 cigarettes a day for 32 years and was the really ‘chemically addicted’ type of smoker. I’d tried everything to quit—gum, patches—but was convinced I did not have the willpower to ‘overcome the beast.’ My allergist referred me to Trina for help in quitting. Trina provided me with four great tools to achieve my victory over nicotine.
First and foremost were the visits under hypnotherapy to important places deep inside myself. In this very relaxed state, I reconnected with those in my life who have loved me the most. This inner work provided me a source of courage to stand up to my addiction and to nurture the health-loving and smoke-free person inside of me.
Second was a self-hypnosis CD to use at home so I could revisit the empowering thoughts and refocus my courage. This CD was very helpful in the first and second week after quitting when cravings were at their worst.
Third was the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) that included tapping an acupuncture meridian point while at the same time verbalizing the self-belief that I am healthy and stronger than nicotine.
Fourth, Trina made herself available by phone and e-mail the first week for once a day, ‘in-the-moment,’ moral support and encouragement. Likewise, in our first strategizing session, we identified several close friends of mine who could also offer support.
My allergist recently showed me that, since quitting smoking, my lung function is normal again and has improved 30% from when I smoked. And, just a few months after quitting, I am biking up Mount Diablo—something I could not have dreamed of awhile back.”
—John
Customized to meet your needs, my comprehensive Smoking Cessation Program consists of a minimum of four private sessions that include support and cutting-edge tools to assist you in quitting smoking. In addition, the strategy will address how to transform destructive (smoking) “Me-Time Moments” into constructive (smoke free) “Me-Time Moments.”
Finally, when you’re ready to “kick the smoking habit” and receive the benefits of a smoke-free life, call me and we’ll strategize your customized plan. This courageous phone call could be a life-changing gift.
Join Trina and attend her Walnut Creek workshop for women and men: Managing Emotional and Compulsive Eating—John Muir Women’s Health Center: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-8:30 pm. Cost: $40. Seats are limited—register today: (925) 941-7900 option 3. For more info, go to www.TrinaSwerdlow.com & click on “Private Sessions & Workshops.”
Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author and illustrator of Stress Reduction Journal. She currently has a private practice in downtown Danville. You can reach her at: (925) 285-5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com. To receive Trina’s inspiring FREE newsletter “Transformational Tips for Mindful Living.” Sign-up here: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.
