The majority of smokers are well aware of the associated risks, but most clearly ignore them. Quitting is possible, but it is challenging. Oftentimes, people return to smoking instead of putting in the work to overcome their addiction. If you truly want to know what it involves to stop smoking for good, read on for advice how you can do just that.
Make your self a list of the reasons to and the reasons not to stop smoking. When you write something down, it can work to adjust your frame of mind. It can strengthen your motivation to quit, and reduce the difficulty of quitting, by keeping your attention on your desire to quit.
Hypnosis is an effective tool to use when you stop smoking. Each year, thousands of people utilize the services of licensed hypnotic therapists for help with their smoking addiction. When you are under hypnosis, the hypnotist will fill your mind with positive thoughts about giving up smoking. This hypnosis will tell your brain that smoking is not appealing, helping you avoid the urge to smoke.
Be easy when you quit smoking. Do not attempt quitting the cold turkey way. If you try quitting cold turkey, you may end up relapsing. Nicotine is extremely addictive, so use a patch, therapy or medication. You will have an easier time making it through early withdrawal, which will give you a better chance of quitting.
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When you have made the decision to stop smoking, try seeking out help from a support group. There is much strength and reassurance in a group of like-minded folks who are all pushing towards the same goal and dealing with the same challenges. You will receive wonderful advice and support from these kinds of people as they have been in your shoes before. You are sure to find some support groups in your area. They may meet in a church, a community center, or a school after hours.
When you feel like you need to smoke, try the delay tactic. Tell yourself you are going to wait 10 minutes to see how you will feel, then try distracting yourself because you will generally find 10 minutes is a good time frame for the craving to pass. If it hasn’t, then just keep repeating this process over and over as often as you need to.
Make sure you remember to take quitting one step at a time. Quitting can be a lengthy process. Do not think too far ahead in time. Approach quitting on a day-by-day basis. Give yourself credit for every day you succeed, and you might be surprised by how quickly those days turn into weeks.
To avoid the weight gain that usually comes along with your quitting, you should try to eat veggies and fruits instead of sweets. This can help avoid, or at least minimize, the weight gain often associated with smoking cessation. You body will be craving food when you stop smoking and a healthy diet will keep you focusing on a healthy lifestyle.
You can join a gym or begin a regular exercise routine, to keep yourself busy. This will occupy the time you would have spent smoking. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. If you don’t exercise, start off slowly with a few walks. Before beginning an exercise routine, consult with your doctor.
Ask your friends and loved ones to be supportive about your decision to quit smoking. Communicate your need for support, so that they can understand their important roles, rather than becoming judgmental or doubtful. Also, warn them that you may be bad-tempered in the beginning and that your judgment may be somewhat cloudy. Make sure that you have support from close friends and loved ones during your quitting process, this support can come in handy as quitting is not easy.
Ask your doctor to help you quit smoking. He can advise you about prescription medications available to help you and may even recommend things such as antidepressants to help with emotional withdrawals. Your doctor will also put you in touch with support groups and other resources you can use.
Talk to your physician to see if he can help you quit. Your doctor may be able to suggest quitting resources of which you were previously unaware. Your doctor may want you on a prescription medicine to help you quit.
Never attempt to quit smoking by yourself. Inform your family and friends that you are attempting to quit and ask them to inspire you to drop this habit. You might also want to consider joining a support group for people that are trying to stop smoking. Simple discussions with other individuals who go through the things that you are going through will help you in stopping this unwanted habit.
Now you know that you can stop smoking if you really try. Determination and planning are they keys to success. If you do this and use all the advice you learned from this article, you should kick the habit of smoking for good before you know it.
Be sure your family and friends know you’re quitting smoking. They’re there to remind you and help you quit. Having a system of support is one of the best methods you can use to quit. This greatly increases the chances that you’ll succeed, and it’ll get you where you want to be.