Quit Smoking For Life: The Path Ahead

Preeti Rao Jun 26, 2019

Though, trends released by the WHO (2018) show a decrease in smoking in India, the introduction of smoking in newer forms such as hookah (sheesha) in urban areas which mainly attract the youth, is a cause for concern.

Workplace pressures and the desire to fit in the work culture are also some reasons that can contribute to increasing trends of smoking among urban women. A report released by Assocham Social Development Foundation on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2018, stated that social and casual smoking is on the rise among young women aged 22-30 years, across 10 urban Indian cities.

Smoking impacts us at 3 fold: Health Impact, Social Impact and Economic Impact

Health Impact: There are more than 7000 chemicals identified in tobacco smoke and at least 250 of which are known to be harmful. More than 69 are known to cause cancer. Here are a few health problems, smoking can cause:

COPD which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
Lung Cancer
Triggers Asthma
Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease
Blood Pressure
Cancer of Bladder, Blood, Cervix, Colon and Rectum, Esophagus, Kidney, Liver and mouth

Social Impact: Smokers face significant social impairment which they sometimes are completely oblivious of.

Here are a few things validated by research non-smoker think of smokers :

Smokers are smelly, disgusting and unhealthy
Smokers are undesirable as marital partners and their personal relationships get affected significantly.
Children of Smokers are most likely to be smokers

Economical Impact:

Smokers are charged higher rates for health and life insurance policies as they are considered at increased risk of serious chronic illnesses,
Increased medical costs throughout their lifespan.
Smoking is an expensive habit. It is estimated that a 30-year-old who smokes five cigarettes a day would lose over Rs 1 crore due to the habit by the time he is 60!

The impact of smoking is multifold and the reasons for it multifactorial. Quitting Smoking requires a lot of motivation, resources and support. This is by far one the most difficult habits to quit. But with support, it is completely possible. If you are looking at quitting smoking than a qualified Health and Wellness Coach can be a facilitator for you in this journey. Health and Wellness Coaching employs a holistic approach to the issue at hand which helps you to get to the core of the problem and on the right path of progress. A path that is unique for you, your goal and challenges.

Very often, the path to quitting smoking is long and tedious. The Health and Wellness Coach can help one stay on track, plan and execute strategies that can help him in any moments of weaknesses or relapses which helps the clients navigate through difficult situations(be it social, emotional or behavioural) so that he is working relentlessly towards his/ her goal.

Here are few things working with a Health and Wellness Coach help you with:

Get to know the trigger point of smoking
Learn how smoking impacts overall health and quality of life
Through an innovative approach quit smoking for lifetime
Understand the healthy alternatives and support areas
Learn self-accountability and self-confident with Health and Wellness coaching tools
Get the motivation to start the plan
Bring the life long lifestyle change in your life

“ Take the first quantum leap of faith in your abilities. Have confidence. Be resilient. Find the right support ecosystem and defuse the smoke that fogs your mind and limits your life of growth, good health and wellbeing. ”

This is what Health and Wellness Coaching aims for. It will help you to reach your smoking cessation goals, by helping you to stay true to your goal, gain skills, knowledge, resources and confidence to attain it, gather your stumbling blocks to create your stepping stones to success.