Many people want to quit smoking. Smoking is not healthy for anyone, and will only bring harm to your lungs for a long time. Keep reading for some very useful tips and tricks on how you can put an end to your smoking, once and for all.
Before you begin the process of quitting your nicotine habit for good, take the time to make a specific plan of action. Merely thinking that you can muster up the willpower when needed is a poor way to approach this very addictive habit. Write down a list of things that you will do instead of reaching for that cigarette. This can include going for a walk, calling a friend, making a fresh fruit smoothie, or any number of diversions.
Write down the reasons why you want to quit smoking. Post the list someplace where you’ll see it every day, to help keep you motivated. Include not only the reasons that directly benefit you, but also the reasons that quitting will benefit your friends and family. Being able to read your list every day will remind you of why you stopped smoking in the first place.
Help the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. If you decide not to use a product that contains nicotine, such as a patch, gum or lozenges, think about asking your doctor about a prescription medication. Certain pills can help to reduce cravings by affecting the chemicals that your brain produces, lessening the symptoms. There are also certain medications that will make a cigarette taste nasty if you decide to smoke.
Rest is important when quitting smoking. Staying up late can elevate fatigue, increasing cravings for a cigarette. There are usually fewer people around late at night to help you stop yourself from taking just one more smoke for the day. If you get eight hours of sleep every night, you will be able to focus better, which means you can control cravings better.
If you are worried about gaining weight as you begin to quit, then you should try to incorporate a moderate exercise regimen into your daily routine to help curb any weight gain that you might experience. Exercise is the best way to prevent any weight gain from your quitting.
Perhaps nicotine replacement therapy would be helpful. This type of therapy aims to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including depression, restlessness, and irritability. Cravings can often be overwhelming. Using nicotine replacement therapy will help to relieve these symptoms of withdrawal. Research proves that nicotine replacement products such as gum, patches or lozenges can double the success rate for quitting. Take care to avoid using these products will you are still smoking.
If you want to quit smoking, you need to identify factors that will motivate you to stop. Preventing lung cancer, tooth decay, gum disease and emphysema, or protecting your family are strong motivators. Showing respect for your body and for the gift of life is also a powerful motivating force. Whatever reason you choose, it needs to be enough to prevent you from lighting up again in the future.
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.
It is important to realize that although cold turkey may work for one person, it may not work for you. People think that they can quit smoking on their own and only end up going back because they tried too much, too fast. You may require an aid for quitting, such as a nicotine patch.
See your doctor and ask him to recommend a stop smoking program or medication. Only five percent of people who attempt to stop cold turkey, with no help, succeed in their attempt to quit smoking. You need help to overcome the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that accompany any attempt to quit.
When quitting smoking, you must learn to manage your stress. Once smoking is no longer an option, turn to healthier outlets such as massage therapy, long walks in your favorite park, listening to relaxing music, or meditation. Find something you can do that provides near-instant gratification so that you’ll be less tempted to turn to smoking when things get tough.
If you’re a smoker who lights up more in social situations, plan ways to not join your friends for a cigarette when you’re out. While dining, stay at the table if your friends go outside for to smoke. If you’re at a party, if people are smoking, find a non-smoker to chat with. Finding ways to not be around smokers will make it easier for you to quit.
By now, you should have a better understanding of what you need to do to quit smoking. Just keep in mind that you need to be strong and put your emphasis on being healthy for yourself and for the people you love. Use the tips here to finally help you quit.
