Hi, I have a stressful job with a lot of responsibilities. In the past, whenever I have quit smoking, I have been able to resist my urges at home, but not at work where I am expected to deliver. Please tell me how do I conquer this weakness?
Yes, quitting smoking will cause a hindrance to your work for a short time, but after a while working will actually become your ally that will keep your mind occupied.
In the beginning though, the nicotine cravings can be pretty sharp, and resisting them is a huge task in itself. On top of that, having to do even more work can seem pretty tough. Especially, if the work is not physical, but mental!
You may be unable to concentrate, and a simple task may feel exhausting. However, if you see through the first week having quit with determination, things will slowly get easier. Eat ice cream, have delicious food (did I say that food tastes much better after you quit) or get a massage just see the clock tick by and you'll have won the hardest battle of your war on nicotine. After a while, your brain will reprogram itself and you'll be able to work at your best without smoking.
At times, the stress may seem overpowering, and your mind will play tricks on you, tantalizing you with thoughts of sweet relief from a few seemingly harmless puffs, but remember the mantra - 'Every time you feel like giving up, remember why you started.' Also, rather than feeling sad about not being able to enjoy smoking, feel happy (I know it's hard with those urges, but feel it anyway cause Allan Carr said so!) about giving up a habit that is slowly poisoning your body.
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