Smoking is a terrible habit that leads to health problems and even death. Quit smoking early to be a good role model for your children and live a longer, more fulfilling life. Read the helpful tips in the following article for some great ideas on how to quit smoking.
Remember that smoking cessation is really all about replacing one behavior with another. For most people, it is primarily the physical act of smoking that is the major draw. It signifies “me time” and a break from a hectic schedule or a boring job. Choose ahead of time exactly what behavior you will replace those smoking minutes with, and then do it!
Replace your pack of cigarettes with an electronic cigarette. Many former smokers have found success with these devices, which work by vaporizing a liquid that contains nicotine. When the user exhales, the cloud looks just like smoke, but it’s actually vapor. Using one of these devices can make it much easier to quit smoking, since it simulates the act so effectively.
Keep a cold glass or bottle of ice water nearby at all times. When you get a craving for a cigarette, take a sip of water–even if this means you hardly put the bottle down at first. This gives you something to do with your hands and mouth, and it can be a useful way to prevent snacking, too.
Though aversion therapies have gotten a bad rap recently, they do sometimes work in helping you to stop smoking. They do not need to be extravagant methods and you don’t need to pay a therapist to employ aversion techniques. Try the simple things, such as permeating your favorite sweater with the smoke from that last cigarette you smoke. Then reach for it after not smoking for a day or two; you will be appalled at the offensive odor that you have been subjecting yourself and others to on a daily basis.
Think about using nicotine replacement alternatives when you quit smoking. Nicotine withdrawal causes several unpleasant mental symptoms, including restlessness, irritability, depression, and frustration. The cravings you feel for nicotine may be uncontrollable. You can try nicotine-replacement therapy if you are having nicotine withdrawal. Research has shown that people who make use of nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches can have twice the chances of quitting smoking successfully. However, do not use those products if you are still smoking.
As soon as you decide to quit smoking, tell all of your family and friends. Not only will this help you to build a good support group, but it will also encourage you to stick to your goal. You might even inspire one of your loved ones to quit with you.
When you commit to quitting smoking, plan out appropriate rewards for every milestone you achieve. For instance, you might decide to see a movie as a treat to mark one week without a cigarette. After you make it a month, give yourself a nice dinner at a restaurant you don’t usually go to. Build up the rewards until you are completely free of cigarettes.
Find ways to keep your body and mind busy when you quit smoking. Take up walking as this will also help you get in better shape. Another great idea to keep your hands busy is to find a hobby. Learn to sew, knit or learn woodworking. You won’t have time to think about cigarettes when you stay busy.
A very important factor to stop smoking is to have a good attitude and lots of motivation. Imagine how much your life will improve after you have successfully quit smoking. Imagine having breath that does not smell, or how sparkly your teeth can be, and how fresh and clean your surroundings will be. Thinking about negative things can help you quit smoking, but also try to think of positive aspects.
When you are fighting the urge to smoke, go and do some exercise. Not only will your body benefit while you are keeping fit, the physical activity can help to keep the urges at bay. Anything that can be used as a distraction while you are working through the crave is a great tool to use.
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.
You can replace your smoking habit with positive coping habits instead. This means really looking inside yourself and examining your habits. If you smoke when you are stressed out, consider how you can diffuse the negative energy instead. Some people find solace in meditative and deep breathing exercises, but you can experiment with a variety of techniques to find one that suits you.
As stated in the beginning of the article, smoking cigarettes is a terrible habit that leads to many health problems. There are many reasons to quit this habit from saving money to living a healthier life. Use the helpful advice in the article above to help you quit smoking.
