So you’ve decided it’s time to give up that nasty smoking habit. Good for you! Making the decision to quit smoking is one of the wisest you will make in your lifetime, and probably one of the hardest.
If you’re looking for some handy hints on where to go from here, read on.
Deal with nicotine withdrawal. Once you quit smoking, nicotine withdrawal can make you anxious, frustrated, or depressed. It’s all too easy to revert to your old habit. Nicotine replacement therapy can really help to relieve these symptoms. Whether it’s in the form of gum, a patch, or a lozenge, using one of these will probably double your chances of succeeding.
Acupuncture can help you to quit smoking. Acupuncture involves putting some very tiny needles into specific points on your body. It can remove toxins and help to treat unpleasant mental and physical withdraw symptoms. Be sure to see a reputable and trained professional for this type of treatment, because it can be dangerous if not done correctly.
When you are trying to quit smoking, write a list of all of the reasons why you want to stop. Carry that list with you at all times. One of the best place to carry this list is where you used to carry your cigarettes. Whenever you catch yourself reaching for your pack of smokes, pull out the list, instead, and read why you want to break the habit.
Get your loved ones to support you in your decision of kicking your bad smoking habit. It’s critical, however, that they understand that you want positive support, not reproach. Let them know you’ll more than likely be moody when you quit, and that you may not have a clear mind. It is difficult to stop smoking, so you need the support of loved ones.
In addition to quitting smoking, you should also cut back on foods and drinks that trigger nicotine cravings. For example, you will be more vulnerable to your nicotine addiction when you drink alcohol. If you regularly drink coffee when you smoke, then you should cut back on that too to reduce craving-inducing associations.
Do not try to set a day to quit. Instead of trying to make a plan, quit today. This sort of planning nearly never works and it will lead to disappointment. Start quitting right away, rather than trying to create an imaginary timeline for yourself. Take action and you will get where you want to be.
Make a list of healthy things you can do to relieve stress, anxiety or frustration. For many people, smoking is a way to relieve stress. Your list can help you find a better, healthier way of coping with negative feelings so that you won’t be as tempted to smoke when you’re having a bad day.
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.
Enlist your friends and family to support you with your decision to stop smoking. Those closest to you can be a real help in keeping you on track and smoke-free. Inform everyone of your intentions to quit smoking before your quit date, and let them know specifically how they can be of best help to you.
Do not try to start smoking without first developing a plan. Your life has probably been ruled by cigarettes for quite some time. A life without cigarettes will require adjustments in your life. Deciding what you are going to do about cravings, avoiding triggers, and setting your quit date are all essential components of a successful plan for quitting.
You’ll be more successful in your attempt to quit smoking if you ease down on how many cigarettes you smoke per day. You can create a set schedule for when you can smoke, and how many cigarettes per day you’ll smoke, gradually letting yourself smoke fewer and fewer until a set date when you’ll completely stop.
Do some exercise when you feel like smoking. You’ll get an endorphin boost that will keep you from worrying as much about cigarettes. Also, working out helps prevent weight gain that could happen when you quit smoking.
As was previously said, quitting smoking is not an overnight process. There is not, unfortunately, an on/off switch when it comes to this habit. But it can achieved with some patience, perseverance, and a lot of faith. One day at a time and soon you will be proudly announcing to all that you are a non-smoker.
