Are you looking to quit smoking? Has quitting escaped your grasp once before, or maybe even several times? There is no need to lose hope that you will accomplish your goal to quit smoking. You may simply need to approach your efforts in a fresh new way.
Try the following advice on your next attempt to quit smoking.
Make a list of the benefits of quitting and the drawbacks to deciding to quit. This helps increase the odds of successfully and permanently kicking your smoking habit. Writing something on paper makes it more powerful, and more real to your mind. Not only can you find motivation to continue your journey in this way, but your trek might become easier since you can concentrate more.
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!
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.
If you want to stop smoking forever, stop thinking about forever. Take one day at a time when quitting smoking. Sometimes when you think that your goals aren’t that far away, you’ll be more mentally and physically prepared. As you get further along, you can start to lengthen your goals.
Make a commitment to quitting smoking before you begin figuring out how to do so. Many fail at quitting because they have the wrong mindset. You will need to build determination. You can do this by keeping your motivation in mind and sight at all times.
Take the money that you would usually throw away on your cigarettes and spend it on yourself on something that you really want. This is sort of like a reward for your hard work. Treat yourself to an expensive coat, a nice jacket or even that pair of shoes that you have been eying.
Do some exercise to assist your goals of eliminating smoking from your life. Exercise just doesn’t go with smoking. Regular exercise can eliminate your stress, and it assists your body in eliminating the bad effects that smoking causes. If you’re new to exercising, start out slow by just walking once or twice a day. Eventually, you can build up to more rigorous exercise for around thirty minutes a day three or four times per week. As always, talk to your doctor prior to starting an exercise routine.
Commit to quitting. Individuals who are able to successfully quit smoking commit themselves fully. They don’t have a back up plan, they don’t keep quitting a secret, and they don’t tell themselves that they will fail. If you make this type of commitment you will significantly increase your chances of successfully meeting your goal.
When you are trying to quit smoking, sometimes you have to change other habits which trigger your desire for a puff. Instead of that cup of coffee or that alcoholic drink, have a glass of juice or water. Many people still have an urge to have a smoke after finishing a meal. After a meal, take a walk. Not only will it help take your mind off having a smoke, it will also help keep off the weight that is commonly associated with giving up smoking.
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.
Remember the following acronym forever: N.O.P.E. It stands for “never one puff, ever.” This will be a lifelong motto for you to follow, and it should be your mantra when you are tempted to have “just that one” cigarette. Even if you are out drinking with friends, remember to say N.O.P.E. to that puff!
As you can see, quitting smoking is well within your grasp. You can learn to overcome your addiction with the knowledge you need to conquer your cravings. You will be a more confident person without a physiological addiction in your way, so consider these tips and set a quit-date today!
