For some of you, the thought of smoking and singing is not even a fathomable idea. If you are one of those lucky non-smoking people, don't skip this article, but forward it on to someone that needs to read it.
I won't begin this by trying to act like a high and mighty person that has never had a puff before. I have had MANY a puff and finally came to the decision that it just isn't worth it.
I began smoking in high school - like many people often do and then it became a habit in college. The old saying "I just smoke when I drink" became an alibi and then I found myself buying a pack every week, and then every other day.
Throughout my pregnancy - I did not smoke and I kept this vow until about a year ago, when emotional times hit hard and I thought that a cigarette would help the situation. It is amazing the way the mind works at times eh?
Finally, after really looking at myself and what I represent (I am a vocal instructor for goodness sakes!!) I made a commitment to quit and have been nicotine free for some time now. It is a commitment I plan to keep and hope in some way that I can help you realize a few things about yourself if you smoke:
#1) You are not a weak person because you smoke: You have an addiction. Much like an alcoholic, cocaine addict, or even someone who drinks 20 Diet Cokes a day. This does not mean that you are any less of a person or that you have some personal defect in your personality or ethics.
2) Smoking does not relax you: smoking merely relieves the situation that smoking created in the first place – the need for nicotine.
3) There are NO benefits to smoking: At least with one glass of red wine a day, there are proven benefits - but with smoking there is not ONE thing that improves your overall looks and health.
4) Every time you take a puff, you risk the chance of losing your career and/or your life: In the tissues of the respiratory tract, cigarette smoke provokes effects similar to those of inflammation: redness, swelling, increased mucus production, and thickening of the surface lining or mucosa. Both the smoke particles and the heat of the inhaled fumes appear to damage the mucosa. Interestingly, unfiltered marijuana smoke causes even greater irritation to the throat and trachea than does tobacco smoke.
A laryngologist can recognize smokers just by the typical appearance of their nose and throat: nicotine staining of the nasal hairs, dry throat, dry swollen vocal cords, and tenacious secretions. Singers who smoke have a harsh breathy voice and a loss of clarity in their upper range. Women who smoke may suffer from polyps on their vocal cords and severe degeneration, polyps which have the appearance of big balloon blisters. Persons with chronic smoking-related inflammation often develop leukoplakia, or white patches on the lining of the throat, a known precursor of cancer.
If you want to quit, here are a few things that may help you:
1) Make it a WHOLE body experience: Make it a lifestyle change. Eat healthier, drink GOOD water, take vitamins, stretch...BREATHE deeper.
2) Write down WHY you should quit and WHO would benefit besides yourself. You have many people who love you and would miss you if you were gone. Think about how they would feel if you had to call them and tell them you had cancer. Sounds awful, but it is the truth.
3) Every time you get an urge: Remember, a craving usually only lasts for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do something fun for that 1 minute - whether it be listen to a song really loud, do jumping jacks, or call a friend.
4) Make a public commitment - Once you decide to quit - tell EVERYONE and they will help make you accountable for your decision.
5) Praise yourself!! - You have taken the first step to feeling and looking better! You had the balls to say - "I'm not going to contribute to killing myself ANY longer" and that mere fact will help fuel you on days you feel like taking a puff.
6) Watch your hangouts - As singers, we tend to find ourselves in environments where there is drinking and smoking going on. Try to book gigs in non-smoking environments, such as coffeehouses, or places with outdoor patios. Also, when you are out and others are smoking around you - take that opportunity to walk around or go to the bathroom.
7) We often smoke when we are bored or confused:
- Plan more activities than you have time for.
- For those empty minutes, make a list of things you like to do.
- Move! Do not stay in the same place too long.
- Carry a book, magazine, or crossword puzzle for waiting times.
- Notice what is going on around you. (Look at the shape of the buildings you pass, listen to the sounds outside around you.)
- Carry something (like a cell phone) to keep your hands busy.
- Listen to a favorite song.
- Go outdoors, if you can, but not to places you associate with smoking
In closing, I am not going to bombard you with statistics or pictures of gross black lungs to try and scare you. You can find that in one easy Google search. Instead, I want to leave you with some words of encouragement and remember - there are SO many of us out there that have been in your shoes. The only difference is, we are breathing better and saving a bit of money as an added bonus.
Take this quote to heart as you begin your journey to quit:
"Have the courage to live. Anyone can die." ~ Robert Cody
YOU CAN DO IT!!! |
