Managing Stress When You Quit Smoking
It will take time to settle into new routines and find new ways to deal with stress now that smoking is not an option.
The stress-release you feel when you have a cigarette is only temporary. It doesnt solve your problems, it only shifts your focus and feeds the smoking stress-cycle.
Research tells us that smokers tend to have higher stress levels than non-smokers. Most people find that their stress levels are lower six months after quitting than they were before they quit.
One of the biggest challenges youll face when you quit is finding a new way to take me time at work, when you first get home, after dinner, and other times when you just need some time out.
You might find it helpful to create a special space for yourself to relax. Or you could try revisiting an old hobby or starting a new one.
for ideas on great time-out activities.
See The City From Above At Night
Theres nothing quite like a city view after dark, with all the glimmering lights and glamour of it all, dont you think? So the ADAM Tower is the place to go to get your birds eye view of the city for one of the best things to do in Amsterdam at night.
Peer out across the Canal Belt and see the warm glow from all the canal houses reflecting in the water, and people going about their business. The best way to get your skyline view, however, would be to give yourself a little more time up here and stop for a drink at the rooftop bar. Its not the cheapest view in the world, but its worth it especially if you go on the mad Over the Edge swing.
Go And See A Movie At An Art Deco Cinema
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Since the dawn of time, going to the movies together has forever been a couples thing to do. Lucky for you, theres plenty of good spots in Amsterdam to catch a flick: theres Pathé Tuschinski, for a start. This place was built in 1921 and is Amsterdams premiere spot to watch films and all sorts of other forms of on-stage entertainment.
Showing stuff from the latest blockbusters to art house films, Pathé Tuschinski is a marvel to look at from the outside, too, with its castle-esque, eclectic style. Grand, glamorous and comfortable, sitting in these hallowed seats is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Amsterdam. We guarantee.
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Get A Good Scrub At A Local Hammam
If you happen to be in Chefchaouen on a rainy day, it could be a good opportunity to visit one of the local hammams and experience a traditional Moroccan massage. There are a few hammams in Chefchaouen within a different price range.
For a real local experience, you should visit Hammam El Harras, where youll be bathing between the local people. However, read what to expect from a traditional Moroccan hammam to be prepared
If you prefer more luxury and privacy, the Lina Ryad and Spa is known to be the best hammam of Chefchaouen.
Things To Know After You Quit
Your body begins to heal within minutes of your last cigarette. The human body is amazingly resilient, and within just 20 minutes of the last cigarette smoked, physical healing begins. The benefits continue to grow for years as well.
Medications you take might be affected by smoking cessation. A number of medications are metabolized more quickly by smokers, so the dose you receive might be higher than it would be for a non-smoker. When you stop smoking, that higher dose could cause trouble, so check in with your doctor before you quit to review any prescription medicines you take.
Recovery from nicotine addiction is a process, not an event. In other words, discard any preconceived notions you might have about smoking cessation. Relax and adopt the attitude that it takes as long as it takes, which is unique to each person. Give yourself the time and space you need to heal fully.
Cravings to smoke are not commands. Smoking urges are going to surface often early on in smoking cessation and less often later on when an activity or feeling triggers a response to smoke. This is part of recovery from nicotine addiction. Expect it and know that the urge for a cigarette is not a sign that relapse is inevitable. A craving is not a command to smoke.
You’re going to feel like you’re wearing an ill-fitting suit for a while. The act of smoking becomes thoroughly intertwined with everything we do in life, from waking up in the morning to turning in at night.
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Create Your Own List Of Fun Things To Do While High
Take a cue from number 16 on this list and make your own list of fun things to do while high. In fact, making a list of fun things to do while high while high sounds like an amazingly good time. Once youve got your list on paper, start checking them off.
If you find that something on your list is better in theory than in reality, dont be afraid to erase it. We used to have skateboarding on our list, but since we dont really know how to skateboard the whole thing devolved into a lot of falling .
Its not on our list anymore.
Whatever you do, dont be afraid to try new stuff. Thats one of the wonderful things about weed: it opens you up to new experiences. Something you never in a million years thought youd enjoy suddenly becomes the most fun youve had in your life.
For more information on all things cannabis and to check out our 100-percent all-natural marijuana products, visit HonestMarijuana.com today
Are You Ready To Quit
Maybe you have already taken your last puff or are ready to quit today. That’s great. This information will help you keep your resolve to kick the habit for good.
Or maybe you want to plan ahead before you quit. How ready are you to quit? To find out, use the
It’s okay if you aren’t ready now. But you may want to quit at some point. So keep learning and preparing yourself. Many smokers do quit. You can too.
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Things To Think About While High
Contrary to what your DARE officer said, cannabis can also be really great for deep thinking. People use cannabis for everything from mediation to plain and simple deep thought sessions.
There are lots of things to think about while high. Relationships, the meaning of life, the vastness of the universe. The mystery of consciousness. The impossibility or certainty of eternity.
You can make it as academic or as informal as you want.
Meditation while high is also great. The pot can help you clear your mind and reside firmly in the moment and get into a deeper state of relaxation.
That said, if you are an anxious stoner, you might not have the deep experience you are looking for.
Tips For Making Your Own List
Try crafting your own list of pros and cons, so you can better understand what smoking means to you and to open your eyes to the good, bad, and ugly of nicotine addiction. Think about how smoking makes you feel, both physically and emotionally. Try to honestly list out all of the positives and negatives. Don’t worry about editing yourself, just jot down whatever comes to mind. You’ll soon realize that the pros are insignificant when compared to the long list of problems that come with smoking.
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When People Smoke Around You
When you quit, being around others who are smoking can be a big trigger. This is even harder if they’re people you used to smoke with. Seeing them smoke, finding their packs lying around, being offered a cigarette- these things can trip you up. But having a plan will help you get through these situations without smoking. Here are some ideas:
Being Honest About Why You Smoke
Armeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and intensivist. He specializes in pulmonary health, critical care, and sleep medicine.
As of Dec. 20, 2019, the new legal age limit is 21 years old for purchasing cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products in the U.S.
Making a list of pros and cons can quickly help you see that the negatives of smoking are much greater than the benefits. After all, most long-term smokers have a love/hate relationship with cigarettes. For many, cigarettes punctuate each and every activity of daily life. It becomes a very heavy load to carry over time.
When you decide to quit, untangling the associations you’ve built up over a lifetime of smoking takes conscious effort. By making a pros and cons list, you can begin to step out from behind the smokescreen that nicotine addiction forces people to live behind, and you can begin to uncover the truth about your relationship with smoking.
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Things To Do Around Chefchaouen: The Best Hikes And Day Trips Around Chefchaouen
While youre in Chefchaouen and you have a spare day or two, you shouldnt just admire the surrounding mountains from the streets but go on a hike or on a day-trip to enjoy the beauty of the Rif Mountains.
The best time to hike in the Rif Mountains is from April to October but if you can handle some cold and possibly snow, you can hike all-year-round as long as youre well-prepared!
Enjoy The Panoramic View From The Spanish Mosque
The best place to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Chefchaouen is at the Spanish mosque. This mosque sits on a hill to the east of the city and its a 45-minute walk to get there.
The trail begins from Bab al Ansae, the medinas eastern gate and passes a river where you might spot some women doing their laundry. The best time to hike up there is on a clear day before sunrise or sunset, during which youll have a spectacular view over the blue city and the peaks of the Rif mountains.
If you dont feel like making this hike, you can always find a rooftop terrace from which you can enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the city.
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Other Ways To Stay Active
You might have a lot of pent-up energy while trying to quit and stay tobacco-free. When youre looking for something to do, think about ways you can be active and productive, or maybe you can try something new! Do some yardwork or housework. Organize or clean out a closet, a room, or even the entire basement. Get involved in a new sport or hobby you like. Some of these distractions can help keep you from gaining weight after quitting, too.
Find activities that are free or fairly cheap. You can find programs online or streaming through a TV or mobile app for beginners yoga, tai chi, or aerobics or maybe even borrow a video or book about them from the library. A walk in a park, on a trail, a local mall, or around your neighborhood is a good way to get moving, too. Youll notice over time that it gets easier to do these things. And watch how much better you can breathe as each day passes.
Will You Gain Weight
You may worry about gaining weight after you stop smoking. This is understandable. In fact, many smokers do gain weight during their quit attempt. In your plan to quit smoking, include eating healthy snacks and doing some physical activity to help you avoid weight gain during your quit.
If you do gain weight, you can focus on losing it after you have successfully quit smoking. Be patient with yourself and try to tackle one change at a time.
You can take steps to lower your chance of gaining weight:
- Try to be active. Exercise can also improve your mood and reduce your craving for a cigarette.
- If you haven’t been getting much exercise, start walking every day, gradually increasing how far you walk. Or take a beginning yoga class.
- If you are already active, see about joining others for a sport you enjoy, such as biking, hiking, or playing volleyball.
Use quit-smoking medicines or nicotine replacement. They may make gaining weight less likely while you are quitting smoking.
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There Are All Sorts Of Things To Do Instead Of Smoking
In truth, there are all sorts of things to do instead of smoking. This list comprises only a small portion of the available activities. The key is to find something you enjoy and pursue it with everything youve got.
Interested in kicking your smoking habit with the help of professionals? If so and if youre in New Jersey, we here at SOBA can help. Our rehabilitation center has helped many individuals to quit smoking, enabling them to lead happier and healthier lives.
Contact us today to discuss your options!
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We’ll Pick You Up Within 5 Hours from our Detox
From Casablanca To Chefchaouen By Bus
Theres daily one CTM bus that goes from Casablanca to Chefchaouen at 13h30. The bus ride takes about 6,5 hours and one ticket costs 160 dirhams .
You can catch this bus at the CTM bus station in Casablanca on Rue Léon . As theres only one bus a day, its better to reserve your ticket in advance at the bus station or book it online.
However, if you book your ticket online, you still have to go to the CTM office to pay for your luggage on the day of departure so make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.
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Day 1 Classic Amsterdam
Your first day in Amsterdam, soaking up all that is classic about this city, begins in Dam Square. Here you should marvel at the buildings, take all the photos you can, before hopping inside the Royal Palace for a tour of how the royals in the Netherlands do things. After an hour or so, youll probably get hunger pangs stop off for something to eat at the nearby Het Stadspaleis, an organic joint.
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Then, when youre fully satisfied, its time to start making your way to the Anne Frank House , which is a 10 minute walk or 10 minutes on the number 13 or 17 trams from your lunch venue. Learn all about the diarist and the events of WWII, then make a loop on foot to explore the Jewish Quarter, ending up back at the house.
Jordaan is on your doorstep, and where youll be spending the evening. Wander around, admire the narrow streets and townhouses, and then find somewhere for dinner. Try out some Dutch fare along the canal at Restaurant Moeders, a quirky spot serving up classics, or dine on Mexican plates at Cafe Struik. Round your evening off with drinks at Cafe Sound Garden, featuring DJ nights and live music.
Keep Your Hands And Mind Busy
Many ex-smokers find that they not only need a mental distraction, but they also need to find ways to keep their hands busy. Cigarettes are interactive, after all, and this can be one of the biggest obstacles you face.
Now may be a great time to take up a new hobby. There are plenty of options available and it doesn’t have to be anything too involved or long-term. Yet, you may find that you’re really good at something you never thought of pursuing before.
- Take up a new hobby or interest.
- Get your camera out and take some pictures.
- Knit a scarf. Learning to knit or crochet is one of the top recommendations from ex-smokers.
- Start a sewing project.
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Helping A Teen To Quit
Most smokers try their first cigarette around the age of 11, and many are addicted by the time they turn 14. The use of e-cigarettes has also soared dramatically in recent years. While the health implications of vaping arent yet fully known, the FDA warns that its not safe for teens and we do know that teens who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes. This can be worrying for parents, but its important to appreciate the unique challenges and peer pressure teens face when it comes to quitting smoking . While the decision to give up has to come from the teen smoker him- or herself, there are still plenty of ways for you to help.
Tips for parents of teens who smoke or vape
- Find out why your teen is smoking or vaping they may want to be accepted by their peers or be seeking attention from you. Rather than making threats or ultimatums, talk about what changes can be made in their life to help them stop smoking.
- If your child agrees to quit, be patient and supportive as they go through the process.
- Set a good example by not smoking yourself. Parents who smoke are more likely to have kids who smoke.
- Know if your kids have friends that smoke or vape. Talk with them about how to refuse a cigarette or e-cigarette.
- Explain the health dangers and the unpleasant side effects smoking can have on their appearance .
- Establish a smoke-free policy in your home. Dont allow anyone to smoke or vape indoors at any time.
