How a Wellness Retreat Helped Me Quit Smoking for Good

Confessions of a smoker

'I never really considered myself a heavy smoker. I could easily make a pack last two days, and I didn’t even enjoy it. A few years ago, I started a new relationship, and my partner made it clear how much he hated cigarette smoke. It took a while for things to get serious between us because my smoking bothered him so much. He couldn’t stand the smell. Whenever we had a date, I would stop smoking a day before so he wouldn’t notice. But eventually, I couldn’t keep it up, I realized I was more addicted than I thought.I was completely in love, so I tried quitting several times. I’d last a few weeks, but something stressful would always push me back to smoking. I was hard on myself, feeling weak and frustrated. Then, I found out about special wellness retreats designed to help people quit smoking, and I thought, yes, that’s exactly what I need. I booked a solo trip to the SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. I smoked my last cigarette at Schiphol Airport, in a dingy smoking room, thinking: how amazing would it be to never have to do this again.

Stop smoking health programs in SHA Wellness Clinic

Surprisingly, quitting wasn’t as hard as I expected. The hotel was luxurious, and the food was light and delicious. It felt strange to be on vacation and going through medical tests, and some of the results were confronting. The acupuncture sessions helped reduce my cravings, but what made the biggest difference were the conversations with the psychologist and coach. I finally understood why I smoked and what I got out of it. Smoking had been my way of coping with stress and discomfort. Once I realized that, I could find healthier ways to manage those feelings. It’s been six months since I last smoked, and I’m still surprised at how easy it’s been. I don’t miss it, and not only do I feel healthier, but I also feel free for the first time. Your body starts a massive cleanse just one day after your last cigarette—it feels great!' 

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