Most people know why smoking is bad for you, but quitting is still very hard. If you are a smoker who would like to quit, the only thing holding you back may be the proper incentive or the right piece of advice. The hints and tips in the following article may be enough to give you that extra drive you need to quit smoking successfully and permanently.
Introduction
Put aside the money you would have normally spent on cigarettes, and save it for something that you really want, like a new outfit, some nice furniture, or a weekend away. Not only will you be feeling healthier, but you’ll soon see how much money you can save now that you’re not smoking.
In order to succeed with your goal of quitting smoking, it’s important that you write down the benefits that are derived from quitting smoking. Some examples include living a longer life, feeling great, smelling better, saving money, etc. Lots of benefits are gained from eliminating smoking from your life. Writing them down can help to keep you motivated to succeed.
Don’t Go Cold Turkey
Do not quit cold turkey. It can be tempting to throw out your cigarettes and say, “I quit!” But cold turkey is not the way you want to go. Studies show that over ninety percent of people who try to quit smoking with no medication or therapy end up relapsing. The reason for this is because nicotine is addictive and your brain craves it. Without it, nicotine withdrawal symptoms set in.
If you want to stop smoking, visit your doctor. Your physician may have resources available to help you quit that you do not have access to. If the situation requires it, your doctor may prescribe you medication to quit smoking.
You need to accept that you’ll need help to quit. Enlist the help of your friends and family. An outside support group of former smokers can also help. Sometimes by talking to others who are dealing with the same withdrawals and issues that you are will help you be able to lean on each other and finally stop the habit.
If you are looking for a quick pick me up like a cigarette gives you, try to have a glass of juice instead. This will help you cut down on the amount of cigarettes you have each day, and give you something that is healthy to replace smoking with.
Have alternate coping mechanisms in place to deal with the stress that you used handle by smoking before you attempt to quit. Avoid as many stressful situations as possible in the early stages of your attempt to quit. Soothing music, yoga and massage can help you deal with any stress you do encounter.
Important Talk’s
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To get off to the best possible start, talk to your doctor about your plan to quit smoking. Your doctor can be a valuable source of information and support and can also recommend the most effective way to quit, as well as, how to deal with the negative effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Consider any therapy that can replace nicotine. Smoking itself is kind of disgusting and easy to give up, but the nicotine withdrawal usually proves the nail in the coffin of a quit attempt. Do whatever you can to deal with the withdrawal, from medicine prescriptions to alternatives like the patch, gum or even throat lozenges.
Remember that the hardest part of quitting is usually those first couple of days. Mentally prepare yourself to tough it out for just the first two days, and then just the first week, and you will probably be in good shape after that. Your body will be doing a good amount of detoxifying in those first few days and if you can make it through that stage, you can make it through anything.
If you are trying to quit smoking, it is important to have plenty of support. Inform family members and friends that this is what you are trying to do and enlist their support when you are having difficulties. Quitting smoking is difficult to do alone and family and friends can provide much needed emotional and social support.
Quit smoking with a buddy. Having someone else with whom to commiserate and celebrate will make your success even sweeter. Choose a friend, relative, or co-worker who also wants to quit, or pair up with someone on an online support forum. Having someone by your side will make the process much easier to tolerate and will help you stay accountable.
Avoid emptying your ashtrays. If you see how many cigarettes you have smoked laying the the ashtray, you will be less likely to smoke any more. This will also leave the unsightly butts and their smell behind. This can be helpful because it will remind of you how bad the smell of smoke is.
Don’t turn back to smoking during a family crisis. Sometimes the most difficult times in our lives, turn into the easiest times to take a bad habit back up. While you might be tempted to do so, try to stay focused on all the reasons that you quit. Talk to a friend or family member about what you’re going through or even seek counseling if you need to. Whatever you do, don’t reach for that cigarette.
Make a list of your habits when it comes to lighting up. Determine when you feel most tempted to have a cigarette, so you can tweak your quitting plan appropriately. Being prepared for cravings will give you a better chance of being able to handle them successfully.
Before you attempt to quit smoking, figure out exactly why you want to quit. Are you worried that it will worsen a condition you have, or that it will cause you develop a long-term illness? Are you worried about the impact second-hand smoke is having on your loved ones? If you know exactly why you’re quitting, any method you use will be more effective.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking can prove very difficult, but knowing some highly effective strategies can make it much easier on you. If you apply the advice from this article, quitting the habit should come more quickly. You’ll be healthier for it, and so will your loved ones.
