Here are some exercises to help bring the subconscious to the conscious, to help you understand better why you do what you do, bring more intention to your actions, and maybe even help you see things from a different perspective. (NOTE: We use the term smoking for any kind of nicotine delivery system you’re using. So, if you vape or use chewing tobacco or anything else, substitute smoking for your nicotine delivery system of choice as you read and go through the exercises.)
Theses exercises aren’t listed in any particular order of importance. See which ones resonate with you.
- Smoking is a strategy. The question is, for what?
- Get to know yourself. Get intimate with the part(s) of you that smokes.
- Why do I want to quit smoking? Why do I want to live smokefree? Write it down now while the reasons are clear and fresh in your mind.
- Why I don’t want to quit smoking. True/Not true?
- What do you think the upside of smoking is for you?
- Easy Access Checklist: Why do I want to stop smoking and live a smokefree life?
(It acts as your brain when your brain gets hijacked and goes offline.) - What are your smoking triggers? Be aware of them so that they don’t come from behind and surprise you!
- What do I like about smoking? What will I miss? What scares me?
- Journal prompts when quitting smoking.
- Relapse: What I tell myself.
- I agree to read and answer these questions before I choose to smoke.