Most people who smoke know that really they shouldn´t! There is so much information available telling us about the direct harmful effects that smoking has on our health, body and vital organs as well as the secondary effects that smoke can have on the ones around us and let´s not even talk about the cost. But even so…. It´s just not that easy to give up!
If you do make the decision to stop smoking, the key aspect is to alter your routine and change your perspective towards cigarettes. Stopping is a challenge, there is no denying it and many people find changing how they think and feel about something really difficult, especially if it is a long standing habit. There are various treatment options available to support those wanting to kick the habit, methods such as nicotine patches, chewing gum, books, counselling, etc, however there is one in particular that focuses on changing your perspective towards smoking, and whilst it has actually been used for over a hundred years for this very purpose it is only now that is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of treatment: Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy. Studies have shown it may help certain people to free themselves from the habit in a simple, safe and relaxed way.
If you are to choose hypnosis in order to stop smoking, the first thing you have to be certain about is that you really are ready to break the habit and that you are making this decision to quit yourself rather than those around you. Hypnosis has been found to be most effective for those really wanting to give up once and for all.
Hypnosis is defined as an altered state of awareness in which you appear to be asleep or in a trance. During this time the mind is more open to suggestions. Even though you appear to be in a trance during hypnosis, you are fully conscious, you are still aware of your surroundings, and you cannot be made do to anything against your will.
By penetrating deep into the subconscious mind, all mental associations related to the addictive habit can be disconnected which in turn makes it easier for people to break the habit. The hypnotherapist will look to change your thought patterns and you are will be often asked to imagine unpleasant smells and feelings that you can associate with smoking such as “the smell of cigarette smoke makes me nauseous” or “I don´t want a cigarette”.
It is important to remember that hypnotherapy for smoking is not a quick fix. While for some people, just one session is enough to stop (or at least continue the journey alone), for others they may benefit from follow-up sessions. The ultimate aim of hypnotherapy in this case is to empower people to take control of their addiction, to promote healthier behaviours and help develop new thought patterns.
Many smokers may have tried lots of times to stop unsuccessfully and believe that they will never kick the habit, other may have succeeded and then relapsed after a period of time. It is like anything in life, sometimes you just don´t succeed the first time, you need to keep at it, maybe this time will be different, this time you are ready, you are more motivated, more committed.
For many, one concern about giving up smoking is the possible weight gain as a side effect. It is true that when you stop smoking, some people tend to ease their anxiety by eating and that can lead to weight gain. However the weight gain has nothing to do with stopping smoking, it is to with managing the anxiety. Dealing with this anxiety is of course something that you can learn how to deal in a different way rather than turning to food, you just need the right tools.
Using your holiday to kick start the process of stopping smoking is ideal; you will be in a different environment, away from your daily routine and available to dedicate and focus 100% of your attention on this one goal; Quitting this bad habit and returning home free from your addiction!
The stop-smoking program at Los Monteros Hotel provides you with two hypnosis sessions designed to free yourself from this habit in a simple and relaxed way together with personalised psychological support. The program combines a full board healthy diet, body massages and spa circuits to really kick start the new and healthier you!
For more information: http://www.spa-in-spain.com/hotels-and-spas/hotel/los-monteros-hotel-spa/new-7-night-luxury-anti-tobacco/
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