Smokers

Self-Care For Smokers

If you are trying to reduce or quit smoking it may seem at times like an impossible battle. Try these tips to help meet your goal.

1.   Take time to relax and reward yourself with healthy, pleasurable activities like hot baths, walking in parks or by the water, or                         massage.

2.   Self-massage to your hands may reduce craving and withdrawal symptoms.
            •   Rub the palm and sides of the hand in circular motions.
            •   Massage the fingers and bend them back gently.
            •   Squeeze the webbing between the thumb and index finger for 30 seconds.

3.   Both acupuncture and hypnosis has helped many people quit smoking. Ask for referrals to these professionals.

4.   Make sure you drink plenty of water. Drinking water aids the functioning of the whole body including the circulation and the                             kidneys, which are both involved with relieving the body of waste products and will play a large part in ridding your body of                         nicotine. Saunas, steams, and hot tubs are also good tools to help you “sweat it out.”

5.   Regular exercise can also help you feel better by improving your circulation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural                             “feel-good” hormones.

6.   Many hospitals offer quit smoking classes and support groups that may help you quit or support you to resist the urge to start                     again.

7.   Try this relaxation exercise. Close your eyes and tense all your muscles and then relax them as fully as possible. Inhale deeply,                 filling your lungs with air, then hold it. Slowly release the air from your lungs as you exhale and keep breathing out until you feel                 as if you can’t breathe out any more. While you do this let you arms fall by your side and let your chin fall onto your chest.                             Imagine that as you breathe out all the tension and stress is leaving your body from your fingers and your toes. Repeat this                         process three times. Repeat as often as you need while you are withdrawing from nicotine.

8.   Don’t expect too much too fast. Turning around a nicotine addiction may take time, and good habits that will last your lifetime are             often best developed gradually.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.