You’ll oftentimes hear that quitting smoking isn’t easy, but this is usually a result of not understanding the best way to approach it. With stopping smoking, as with most things, knowledge is power. The tips contained within will allow anyone to have the proper tools to fight smoking.
When you have finally chosen to quit smoking, think about joining a support group. Working with other people who are quitting or who have quit smoking can help you to stay focused on your ultimate goal. They will offer invaluable support and guidance, as well as insider tips that can help you quit. Support groups can often be found at your local church, recreational center, or community college.
Have loved ones support your decision to stop smoking. Let them know that you need that kind of support and that there is no need to be judged by them. Let them know that in the beginning of the process, you will probably not be in the best of moods and that your thought processes may be off. It is not an easy task to stop smoking and you should make sure your loved one supports you during this process.
If smoking a cigarette is something you cannot avoid, at least try and stall for time before lighting up. Tell yourself you need to go for a walk first, or maybe that you need to drink a glass of water first. Sometimes, these delaying tactics provide enough time for the craving to pass before you ever light up. Delaying can help to reduce the amount that you smoke, which can make a significant difference during the year.
Nicotine replacement therapy can be an effective weapon in breaking the smoking habit. The effects of nicotine withdrawal can cause depression, moodiness and frustration. Cravings such as these are distracting and overwhelming. Nicotine replacement products such as gum can be very effective in dealing with cravings. People who use these products have twice as much likelihood of quitting for good as those who go cold turkey. However, do not use those products if you are still smoking.
Tell your relatives that you are quitting, so that they can provide support. Make them aware that their support is key, but that they should not be judgmental. Warn them about the fact that you’ll likely be grumpier than usual as you begin the process. You could also be a bit fuzzy-brained. You’ll need the support of others during this process.
You should not try to stop smoking alone. Ask your family for support while you quit and accept their assistance. It is also a good idea to make use of a support group. Speak about your predicament and talk about some of the things that you want to change.
Try nicotine replacement products that are offered. This type of therapy aims to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including depression, restlessness, and irritability. Nicotine cravings may at time be overwhelming. To help alleviate the condition, consider nicotine-replacement therapy. Research has shown those using nicotine patches, gum or lozenges have twice the chance of successfully quitting. Don’t use these products if you’re currently smoking.
Each time you reach a milestone in your journey to stop smoking, reward yourself. For example, treat yourself to a movie after a week of being smoke-free. When you make it a whole month without smoking, dine out at a restaurant you really enjoy. Continue creating rewards to work towards until you forget about smoking and are ready to move past it completely.
When you are ready to quit smoking, do everything you can to make your commitment strong and sure. The most common reason for relapsing is the failure to commit fully to the decision to quit smoking. When you feel like giving up, think of what made you quit in the first place.
To avoid nicotine cravings, try to deal with your stress in other ways. Try going to the gym, taking up a brand new hobby, or getting regular massages when you get cravings. When you have some free time, have pleasant distractions around you, such as reading an excellent book, talking with your friends, or playing new games.
Do not crack under stress or pressure: find another way to deal with your stress. Adopt healthier habits and hobbies such as working out, taking long walks, or listening to music and dancing. Whenever you find yourself with time on your hands, fill it with the things you love to do, like talking with friends, interesting games or books.
Consider using a new brand when you begin to think to quit smoking. Consider switching to a brand of cigarettes that you don’t care for. Some people find this helpful. This is one method that will ease you into quitting smoking.
Stop smoking to benefit your loved ones, and their health. Secondhand smoke can negatively impact one’s overall health, and tarnish their lungs. When you’re stopping smoking you will also be stopping how much you expose your loved ones to the dangerous chemicals in secondhand smoke. This means that not only will quitting make you healthier, it will make your loved ones healthier too.
Stay as optimistic as possible when developing a regimen to quit smoking. Just think of the number of ways your life can be improved if you can kick the habit. Consider that your teeth are going to be brighter and cleaner, your breath and clothes will smell better, and your home is going to be full of freshness and cleanliness. While it is good to know the many negative impacts of smoking, for many people, remembering the positive benefits of quitting can be even more helpful.
The best thing you can do to start your cigarette free lifestyle is to just quit smoking. Stopping will start you on your new path. Quit and don’t allow yourself to ever smoke again. This strategy is going to be extremely difficult at first. However, some studies show that quitting cold turkey can be easiest way to quit.
Quit as many times as you need to. Most former smokers had to try more than once before succeeding at kicking their nicotine habits. Just stop immediately, and be a nonsmoker for as long as possible. If you fail the first time, set a second quit date immediately. Just keep at it and try to extend the amount of time you quit, while you learn what triggered you into smoking again each time. After a while, you should be able to quit for the very last time.
Clean your home from top to bottom, when you quit smoking. Shampoo your upholstery and carpets, launder your curtains and drapes and wash your walls. This will make your home smell clean, and the absence of the smell of the cigarettes will help you avoid being reminded of the habit that has plagued your life anytime you enter your home.
Try giving yourself rewards when you reach important milestones. Plan out those rewards well in advance. Jot down rewards you’ll give yourself after you’ve been smoke-free for a single day, week and month. Post the list where you’ll see it on a regular basis. This will give you the motivation you need when you feel like giving in to temptation.
Use the Internet to find online support groups and forums. You will find an abundance of websites created to assist people with their desire to stop smoking. Learn what approaches have worked well for others; it may help to model your own after these methods. In addition, those who are quitting with you will be able to relate to the emotional challenges that go along with smoking cessation.
You can find support and help on online communities and forums. There are quite a few websites entirely focused on helping smokers give up their habit. You may find help by comparing quitting techniques with other smokers. People who are trying to quit at the same time understand the unique struggles involved in the process.
If you are attempting to stop smoking, stay away from situations, environments, and activities that generally resulted in you smoking. If you always had a cigarette with your morning coffee or at happy hour after work, try changing your routine. Don’t drink at a bar for a little while, or drink your coffee someplace new to stop the cravings from occurring.
You will be able to stop smoking if you educate yourself. After you have determined what techniques work for you and which don’t, quitting smoking becomes significantly easier. Use what you’ve read here to ensure you’re able to quit for good.
As an added incentive to help you give up your smoking habit, think of your family and friends whose life would be turned upside-down if your life was shortened by this dangerous habit. Studies have shown one in five people that die in the U.S. have to do with smoking. Avoid becoming a statistic!