I became a de facto wellness expert after losing something like 250 pounds; during this process, it not only changed my life, but my way of thinking and being, quickly included daily habit's I'd picked up alongside overeating, not drinking water, and never working out.
Quitting anything isn't just the cessation of an addiction, it's a lifestyle change; in my experience, there should be other steps taken to ensure the balances between the chemical changes happening within the brain and body are compensated for— here are some tips to help along the transition smoothly.
It seems simple enough, but the underlying point here is that the new behavior should be positive and interact with the reward system in the same way. The first few weeks or months can be filled with cravings and temptations, and those feelings shouldn't be simply ignored, as this is a negative inhibitor to the rewards system, but instead replaced with something enjoyable. This will probably vary from one person to another depending on what the person may like or prefer, but it could be as simple as meeting the negative feeling with a positive response by increasing pleasure— perhaps listening to a favorite song, or even going on a short walk or brief run. Endorphin release is an extremely positive response to the negative feelings associated with quitting; building new habits can be difficult, but over time the urge to do one thing— a negative, unhealthy thing— can turn into the urge to do a positive and healthy thing instead.
Sauna/steam; salt or ocean water and tons and tons of water. Staying hydrated can be a crucial part of maintaining a new habit Changing the diet might also be necessary. Deep clean everything.
Carpets, rugs, floorboards, baseboards—clothes in closets. A thorough cleaning and maybe even redecoration of one's immediate space is probably needed.
Making sure your body is getting absolutely everything it needs is important to ensure your body isn't unnecessarily craving things it doesn't.
Your time should be spent around people who don't share the same behavior during your transition. Swapping smoking for other toxic behaviors such as drinking, using other depressants or chemicals to induce or enhance pleasure may ultimately result in failure to respond to positive stimuli naturally.
Eventually the endurance for cardio will return as you build strength and stamina— exercise works as a great replacement during transition when feeling triggered or upset.
Emotional and physical responses to stress or upset can act as triggers to initiating unwanted feelings—at least for the first few weeks and months, try to avoid people, places, and things that may trigger anxiety, upset, or shame. It might be a good time to take a break from social media or even social outings. Mindfulness of one's surroundings and self awareness is a crucial part of understanding the temporary discomfort and pain from the stress of shedding this habit eventually becomes positive. Health, greater enjoyment of daily activities and small changes in the brain will allow you to see the world as a different place— soon, negative responses to old habits will become overwhelming relief.
Sleep when you have to— stretch it out. Laugh as often as possible or even cry if you feel like it. Feel your feelings deeply enough so that they no longer act as obstacles. Spend your time around happy people that make you feel good. Indulge in positive pleasure. Take deep breaths. Meditate. Clear your mind—-the clarity and focus, pleasure and delight once you have come through transition will be monumental and life changing.
Your environment will change. The people and situations you find yourself drawn to will alter— things you might have missed before will become clear and a new world apparent. It takes time— but it's how you spend this time that matters. I personally recommend massages, hot baths—whatever makes you laugh. In extreme cases, CBD can be an effective anti inflammatory and anti anxiety relief. Remember that you're also targeting the reason and the need for the behavior and not just the habit itself.
I wish I could love you through this!
But, because I'm merely a figment of imagination, I want you to surround yourself with love and life and beautiful beings and situations. Somewhere, there are flowers and trees and beautiful people— there are night skies full of stars or a big shiny sun in the sky. Focus on fresh air, and nature, and deep breaths; hugs and kisses and cuddles and pets. Feel yourself connect to the planet and remain calm in knowing that your signal to the world that you want to change will inspire others to be better, healthier and happier— this will reverberate back to you immensely in your good doings to yourself.
Remember: the more good you do for your health, the more good you do to the world.
Good luck, and take care.
Citation: formerly 400 lb party girl/ pack a day habit.
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