Good intentions to stop smoking never go anywhere unless they are combined with action. The article below will give you some important information, to make your intentions to quit, into a reality. Apply what you know so you can stop smoking for good.
If smoking a cigarette is something you cannot avoid, at least try and stall for time before lighting up. Bargain with yourself, telling yourself that you can smoke after taking a walk, or after having a big glass of water. You may find that delaying your next cigarette a little bit will reduce your cravings. If you do go ahead and smoke, the delay may at least reduce your smoking for that day.
Writing down a list of positives and negatives about quitting can help increase your chance succeeding. Putting things on paper can have a profound effect on your mental outlook. It can strengthen your motivation to quit, and reduce the difficulty of quitting, by keeping your attention on your desire to quit.
Tell your loved ones that you want to quit smoking. When you trust those around you with information like this, they can help keep you motivated, as well as keeping temptation at bay. With this support, you can optimize your chance to quit successfully.
Consider visiting a hypnotist for help in kicking the habit. Many smokers have had a good success rate with the help of a licensed hypnotist. The hypnotist places you in a state where you are particularly susceptible to suggestion, and inserts positive ideas into your subconscious. This helps to reduce the appeal of cigarettes.
Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking. Your doctor may be able to suggest quitting resources of which you were previously unaware. If your doctor thinks that it is appropriate, they may prescribe you medication assist with the quit.
Ensure you go about it one step at a time. Quitting can be a lengthy process. Don’t worry about what will next year or next month. Approach your plan to stop smoking one day at a time, and as you are successful short term, you can think in terms of the future.
Don’t try to do it on your own. Let your family and friends know that you have decided to quit, so that they can support you through the process. Think about joining a support group in your area. Simply talking with people who are going through the same thing will help spur you on to kick the habit.
Remember that quitting smoking is a day-by-day effort. There is no need to dwell on stopping forever; simply resolve to stop smoking for the day you are in right now. For many people, a short time frame is easier to grasp and focus on. Once you are comfortable with the level of commitment you have towards quitting, you can set long term goals.
Each time you reach a milestone in your journey to quit smoking, reward yourself. You can take yourself out to a new movie release after the first week. Once you’ve been smoke free for a month, go to a nice restaurant, one that is special to you. After that, lengthen the time between rewards until you no longer want to smoke.
Nicotine Withdrawal
Consider using a new brand when you begin to think to quit smoking. Start using a brand you dislike or a cigarette you find distasteful. Don’t smoke more than you typically would or inhale them differently. This can help you stop smoking.
Think about using nicotine replacement alternatives when you quit smoking. Nicotine withdrawal can make you feel depressed, restless, frustrated or irritable. The constant cravings can overwhelm you. You can try nicotine-replacement therapy if you are having nicotine withdrawal. Various research studies have shown that people who use nicotine gum, lozenges or patches double their odds of successfully kicking the habit of smoking. It is very dangerous to smoke while using these products; therefore, to protect yourself avoid smoking if you are using nicotine replacement therapies.
If smoking at home, make sure to thoroughly clean the house, when quitting. This includes carpets, curtains, walls and even furniture. Your house will smell clean and fresh, and you won’t be reminded of the desire to smoke each time you walk through your door.
When you are trying to stop smoking, you need to make sure that you are avoiding any triggers that will make you want a cigarette. For instance, if your triggers include smoking while driving, the end of a meal or driving, try to find alternatives to the cigarette to replace them. Look for a positive alternative to fill the time and distract your mind.
You need to find ways to have your motivation in sight at all times. Surround yourself with motivational notes, or attach meaning to a piece of jewelry, wearing it often. You can also purchase yourself a piece of jewelry to wear as a visual reminder of your dedication to stop smoking.
You should not try to quit smoking alone. Your friends and your family will support you if you let them know about your plans. An outside support group of former smokers can also help. Having a talk with those who are sharing the same experience can help you through the process.
Try to find a support group online, there are many forums available. There are a plethora of websites devoted to helping people quit smoking. You can ask about techniques that have worked for others, and share your own experience. In addition, people who are attempting to quit with you will be able to understand the struggles that go along with this quest.
If you reach a milestone while quitting, congratulate or reward yourself for your accomplishments. For instance, you might decide to see a movie as a treat to mark one week without a cigarette. After a month, eat out at a nice restaurant that you don’t regularly dine at. Continue on like this to gradually increase the rewards to the point you don’t think of smoking any more.
Stay away from the kind of situations where you would be tempted to smoke. If you had morning coffee and a cigarette or went to happy hour and smoked, change your routine. Drinking coffee on your way to work in the car, or finding a new hangout besides the bar, will give you a chance to minimize familiar triggers and cravings.
If you really want to quit smoking, get good at quitting. Many former smokers were unsuccessful on their first attempt to quit. Just set your goal for one day, and then work on the next day once you get there. If you do relapse, set a new date to quit again. Just keep on quitting for a day at a time. Those days will soon turn into weeks, and then into months. Eventually, you will quit for good.
Quitting smoking is done not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones. The people who care about you want you to have a long, healthy life. One out of every five American deaths is related to smoking in some way, according to many statistics. Keep yourself from becoming a statistic and stop now.
Come up with a way to maintain your motivation by keeping it in mind and in sight constantly. This might mean keeping an inspirational quote or image at work or in your wallet to remember why you’re quitting. Whatever method you choose, this type of visual reminder may help you ward off craving and temptation.
When you are trying to quit smoking, eat plenty of nuts, vegetables and fruits. Eating healthy, low calorie natural foods really help, while quitting, for several reasons. Having a replacement to make up for smoking can help, especially if you keep your mouth and hands busy. Eating these foods regularly can also help slow down your weight gain after you quit smoking. The nutrients and vitamins even help you feel better during withdrawal.
Find support through online forms and message boards. Tons of websites exist solely for helping their members kick the habit. You can ask about techniques that have worked for others, and share your own experience. It can also help to have the support of people who know exactly what you are going through.
If your willpower is weakening and you are about to reach for your favorite tobacco product, pick up the phone a call somebody for support. Tell somebody you trust that you feel tempted to smoke. Not only does the act of talking on the phone distract you from your craving, you’ll also receive valuable social support that will last much longer than the phone call.
If you hope to stop smoking, try to avoid any situations that would trigger the need for a cigarette. If you associate smoking with drinking a cup of coffee in the morning or attending happy hour when the workday is done, you will probably need to adjust your routine. You could have your coffee while you are driving into work or avoid the bar altogether so that you avoid the smoking triggers you are used to.
Counseling could provide the boost you need to stop smoking. Many people can’t quit because of emotional attachments to smoking, or issues about self-esteem. If the emotional problem is treated, the cravings for a cigarette will lessen. If counseling is of interest to you, speak with your physician for a referral.
You should feel better about yourself because you have taken the step to make a lifelong change for a healthier you. Put the information given in this article into practice for a healthier, happier you!
Come up with a list that states your main reasons for quitting. Each time you feel a weakness in your resolve, repeat these reasons out loud, repeatedly, until your cravings dissolve. This represents a terrific method of diverting your focus away from nicotine withdrawal symptoms and onto other critical things in your life.