A lot of people discover that one of the hardest things they have ever had to do is quit smoking. There isn’t a sure cure that works for every single person. It may be necessary for you to do a bit of research to discover the methods that will work for you. You might be surprised by how effective some of the following tactics and tips are.
You will find it hard to do some of your normal routines while you are quitting smoking. For example, going to a bar with friends who smoke. When your friend goes outside for a cigarette, resist the urge to go with them to keep them company. Everything that you once did as a smoker, you will be able to do again.
If you absolutely must have a cigarette, using stalling tactics. A simple glass of water first, or putting your smoke off until after you take a walk, can be very effective ways to delay your craving. By the time you get done, you may have the willpower to say no. You may decide not to smoke it at all.
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.
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.
In order to quit smoking, find something else you can hold in your hand and put in your mouth. Many smokers find it hard to quit because they have an urge to have a cigarette in their hands and mouth. Rather than a cigarette, you can hold onto a straw.
To effectively quit smoking, have a plan mapped out. Take some time to prepare yourself by writing down the steps you will take to quit, who you will call for support, and what you will do if you should slip up. Putting these things in writing makes them concrete, and it is much like making a contract with yourself. This can have a very powerful affect on your mindset, helping you to stay focused on your journey toward quitting.
Clean your house. Get rid of all of you lighters and ashtrays once you have smoked the last cigarette. Wash all of your clothes that smell like smoke and clean your draperies, upholstery and carpet. Do all you can to get the smoke smell out of your house. You will not want to look at or smell the things that remind you of smoking.
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.
Use visualization in order to assist you in quitting your smoking habit. When doing deep breathing exercises, shut your eyes, and imagine yourself being a non-smoker. Imagine yourself not giving in to temptation. Imagine winning a medal for not smoking. These types of programs, referred to as “quit smoking hypnosis,” are extremely effective.
If you’ve quit before, don’t assume that whatever you tried didn’t work. If using the patch let you go three weeks without smoking, think instead about what caused you to light up again in week four. Plan your next attempt with the knowledge and optimism that the patch can get you through three weeks, and then have a secondary plan to get through the fourth week.
Think about how good you felt before you smoked. Focus on how healthy, happy and active you were as a smoke-free child. Think about the foods you loved, the scents you loved and how fit you were, this will give you added incentive to stop smoking.
If the fear of gaining weight is the only thing holding you back from quitting, you should know that gaining weight is not inevitable. Many former smokers never gain any weight when they quit. That said, gaining a few pounds is still far healthier than continuing to smoke. With a bit of exercise and mindful snacking, this fear should play no part in keeping you from quitting.
Most people know how hard it can be to quit smoking and that different methods work for different people. However, quitting is not impossible. If you know some effective techniques, and have the right motivation, you will be able to stop smoking. Try them out and you might be pleasantly surprised.
