I help people to quit smoking and really enjoy hearing from people a few months later, that they are still happily quit. I do hope that will be you also. A concern asked, can be about side effects and when quitting smoking what are the side effects? During my two session programme we go through this and ensure you have a plan for those times you might be worried about not smoking or side effects. Get in touch to hear more about my quit smoking sessions in London.
When quitting smoking what are the side effects?
If you are a smoker and wants to quit, you may have already tried various methods such as nicotine patches, gum, medication, or cold turkey. Let me tell you that hypnotherapy really does ease you more gently, so that you do feel stronger and more able to cope without smoking.
Maybe none of those other methods have worked for you, or you may have experienced unpleasant side effects or cravings. In that case, you may want to consider hypnotherapy, which is safe, powerful and long lasting.
Quit smoking side effects and withdrawal symptoms
When you quit smoking, you will have withdrawal symptoms. These can be physical or emotional and can last from a few days to a few weeks and it’s different for every person. The most important thing to remember is that these side effects are temporary. However, what I would say is that you may still, even months or years later experience a craving to smoke. With my help you will feel stronger than an craving and after a time they won’t bother you.
As you might expect, the first days and week is the hardest. Your body has become used to having regular nicotine ‘hits’. Don’t worry, the cravings do gradually get less frequent, as your body recovers from its addiction and you feel more resilient.
Here are some common quitting smoking side effects and tips for dealing with them:
Feeling tense and irritable or feeling angry and snapping at those around you, feeling panicky or anxious.
If you feel this, consider going for a walk. Try meditation or deep breathing. It’s always nice to soak in a warm bath or do gentle exercise or some stretching exercises.
Depression, such as feeling sad, having a sense of grief or loss, or lack of self-confidence.
A good way to get out of a negative space is to use positive self-talk. Also speak to a friend or family member. If you do feel down for a few weeks, you might consider a conversation with your doctor, if the depression is intense or does not go away. You can also think about how proud you are to be saying ‘no’ to cigarettes and no longer a slave to nicotine. Go you!
Appetite changes, such as enjoying the smell and taste of food. This could result in overeating, or maybe more comfort eating in place of smoking.
If this is a concern to stay on top of food choice and follow a well-balanced diet. Choose healthy, low-fat snacks such as fruit or vegetables. Emotional eating can pop up to replace smoking, just consider other ways to show love and care for yourself.
Constipation and gas is an unexpected quitting smoking side effect. So you might have lots of wind, stomach aches and other digestive issues.
If you do experience any of these, drink plenty of fluids and eat lots of fruit, vegetables and high-fibre cereal.
Insomnia, meaning you just can’t get to sleep. Smoking may have been something to do before bed and nicotine withdrawal can effect sleep patterns.
You may find it hard to sleep when quitting smoking, so avoid beverages containing caffeine (for example, coffee, tea, cola) particularly a few hours before bed. Try also relaxation exercises before bed, as well as calming music, reading or meditation.
Difficulty concentrating and finding it hard to focus.
You mind might be preoccupied with thoughts of smoking, but just relax and break large projects into smaller tasks an take regular breaks.
Cough, dry throat and mouth, nasal drip or even feeling like you’ve got the flu.
Hopefully this won’t last long, but drink plenty of fluids and ensure you sleep well and look after yourself more over the weeks following quitting.
Dizziness. This can be because your body is getting more oxygen so you might feel a bit light-headed.
Take things slowly, don’t worry too much about this and if needed sit down and rest until it passes.
The good news is that once the first couple of weeks are over, your chances of staying smoke-free are much higher. Think also about greater health and how your body is being cleaned of those toxic poisons you were breathing in. After a month or so you will be feeling much better. Also enjoy the sense of achievement and pride for quitting — well done! Side effects of quitting smoking might be unpleasant but actually are signs that the body is getting rid of those toxic chemical and you are starting a new chapter of clean breathing, smelling great and being so much healthier too.
Hypnotherapy and side effects when quitting smoking
I use hypnotherapy to help people quit smoking at my London office. You may be wondering what hypnotherapy is.
Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to create a state of focused attention and increased suggestibility. During hypnosis for quitting smoking, you are guided to relax your body and mind, and to access more easily your subconscious thoughts and feelings. It is on the subconscious level that are habits, including smoking really operate. As a hypnotherapist, I can help you change your beliefs and behaviours related to smoking, such as reducing your desire for cigarettes, increasing your motivation to quit, and enhancing your confidence and self-control. We also look at side effects following quitting. So, if you are wondering about when quitting smoking what are the side effects felt commonly by people, we look at that too of course.
Hypnotherapy is helpful for stopping smoking because it can address the psychological and emotional aspects of smoking addiction, which are often overlooked by other methods. As you might know from your own experience, smoking can be a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, boredom, or low self-esteem. It can also be associated with positive memories or social situations. Hypnotherapy can help you identify and look at these underlying issues, and replace them with healthier alternatives. This process therefore also help you cope better and reduce side effects of quitting.
Hypnotherapy can also help you overcome the physical addiction to nicotine by creating positive associations with being smoke-free, such as feeling healthier, happier, and more energetic. It can also help you cope with side effects and withdrawal symptoms and any cravings by using relaxation techniques and positive affirmations. What’s really great about hypnotherapy, is that it can also help you prevent relapse by reinforcing your commitment to quitting and boosting your self-confidence.
Hypnotherapy is not a magic bullet and you will need to put the work in too. If you choose to have hypnotherapy sessions with me in London, you will need a willingness to follow the suggestions and also carry out some short homeworks if needed. If you are ready to quit smoking and want to try a natural and holistic approach, hypnotherapy is a wonderful and effective option for you. Get in touch today to hear more about session in London.
