Many people feel that it is hard, or that they lack the willpower to quit smoking successfully. The powerful advice in the article below can be the beginning of a healthy life without cigarettes.
In the event that the urge to smoke melts your resolve, at least attempt to put it off as long as possible. For example, require yourself to take a long stroll before you give in and have a smoke. If nothing else, pour yourself a big iced tea and promise yourself to finish drinking it first. Just a little extra time before you light up might stop you from smoking that cigarette. If, even after the delay, you still have a cigarette, you will at least have taken up some time, meaning you will smoke less that day.
Support Group
Just take each day as it comes. Giving up nicotine is a slow process. You can’t worry about the future. Just keep your mind and body in the present and take it by the day while trying to get rid of your nicotine habits in the here and now. This will change the outcome of the future.
Find a good support group to help you quit smoking. There is great benefit in networking with people who understand the physical and emotional challenges you are facing. Having a support system can be invaluable. To find a support group near you, check your local community center or community college, or at your church.
Remember that quitting smoking is a day-by-day effort. Don’t focus on not smoking ever again. Instead, focus on not smoking today. For many people, a short time frame is easier to grasp and focus on. Once you start becoming comfortable with your commitment to stop smoking, you can start to make longer term goals.
Take note of all of the methods that you plan to use to quit smoking. List taking in your quitting efforts will help greatly as you create a source of direction. Everyone has their own ways of getting things done. It is important to understand what works for you and your needs. That’s the purpose of making a personalized list.
Try exercising or joining a gym to keep you from smoking, and to better your health. You can experience great stress relief through exercise. If you do not currently exercise regularly, you can start slowly by walking regularly. Speak to a doctor before starting an exercise routine.
Stop smoking on a daily basis. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to focus on quitting forever; just quit for today. Reaching your goal one day at a time is easier to deal with mentally and physically. After you feel like you have been successful with your short term commitment, you can try to set goals for long term compliance.
There is a certain amount of weight gain that is often the result of stopping smoking, and eating fruits and vegetables instead of sweets is one way to help avoid this. The habit of eating these things can really help in controlling the weight gain that is associated with quitting. Eating a healthy diet will keep your mind focused and reduce your unhealthy cravings as you readjust to your life without cigarettes.
Some great ways to get in shape, stay active and distract yourself from smoking include participating in an exercise program, and signing up for the local gym. Movement of any kind is also an effective tool for stress relief. You can ease into a healthier lifestyle by starting to take a daily walk and working your way up to strenuous activity. Before beginning an exercise routine, consult with your doctor.
Consider using a nicotine replacement-type of therapy. Nicotine withdrawal can make you feel depressed, restless, frustrated or irritable. Cravings can be very hard to deal with. Consider nicotine replacement therapy. Studies have shown that people who use nicotine replacement therapy double their chance of success. It’s important to avoid using these if you are still smoking.
Have people that you know you can trust to help you quit smoking. Also, make sure that they know not to be judgmental and are as optimistic as possible to improve your chance for success. Let them know you’ll more than likely be moody when you quit, and that you may not have a clear mind. Quitting smoking can be very difficult, so it’s critical that you have the support of those who are close to you at this time.
The first step toward quitting smoking is the ability to commit yourself to the cause. Too many people try to quit on a whim and then fail when they are faced with serious obstacles. You can stay committed by thinking of all the reasons that you wanted to quit in the first place.
Making the commitment to quit smoking can be challenging. While succeeding at quitting the habit of smoking may seem impossible, it does not have to be. If you have patience and willpower, you can invest the time needed. Knowledge is power when you are quitting; therefore, learn as much as you can and incorporate it into your plan to stop smoking. If you utilize the tips that were shared in this article, you will be well on your way towards living smoke-free.
Celebrate each milestone along your way to quitting, choosing little rewards you enjoy. As an example, go to a movie once you have stopped smoking for a week. When you make it a whole month without smoking, dine out at a restaurant you really enjoy. After that, lengthen the time between rewards until you no longer want to smoke.