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The highs and lows of a smoke-free life
Many different factors, which vary from person to person, can explain highs and lows in motivation when you quit smoking. For instance,
- Increased stress can lower your motivation, especially if you have long viewed smoking as a “refuge” from nervousness and anxiety. Learning to relax and calling upon your support network are your best strageties against stress.
- Events in your social life might influence your level of motivation. For example, vacations, the holidays and going out with friends increase the temptations. Be more vigilant during these times and prepare yourself accordingly.
- Some people are prone to mood swings, emotional highs and lows and fluctuating energy levels. If this applies to you, it’s natural for the quitting process to be affected the same way as other aspects of your life. To better prevent these fluctuations, observe when and why they happen. If they are significant, you can talk to your doctor about them.
To explore the causes of your emotional roller coaster, make two columns in your diary and label them “Things that reinforce my motivation to live smoke-free” and “Things that reduce my motivation.”
Does your motivation need a little boost? Read some facts about tobacco to help you reconnect with the reasons that convinced you to butt out in the first place.
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Fears that undermine your motivation
Sometimes, semi-conscious fears lurk behind a decline in motivation. Try to uncover your fears and find ways to combat them. For example:
- Do you fear “losing” something by quitting smoking? If this is the case, try to think about everything you have gained thanks for your smoke-free life.
- Are you afraid of failing? Remember that the ONLY REAL FAILURE IS FAILING TO TRY.
- Fear of gaining weight? Fear of…
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