Most smokers would like to quit but feel overwhelmed by the difficulty of it and their lack of willpower. The information and tips contained in this article can help you take those first steps to be on your way to being smoke free.
Make your self a list of the reasons to and the reasons not to stop smoking. Writing things down can change your whole mindset. This may up your motivation to stick to it this time, and it may be easier because you might be more focused to see it through.
Look for a support group to help you stop smoking. The best groups have a mix of new quitters, and people who have quit for a while. These new ex-smokers can be a valuable source of support when faced with the various challenges that confront you, as they have or are dealing with them as well. These people can support you through the hardest times with guidance, and coping tips. You can find support groups in places like recreational centers, churches, or community colleges.
Find a good support group to help you quit smoking. These new ex-smokers can be a valuable source of support when faced with the various challenges that confront you, as they have or are dealing with them as well. People with experience quitting, or going through the same thing as you, can offer their own tips and advice. Support groups can often be found at your local church, recreational center, or community college.
Let your family and friends in on the secret that you want to quit smoking. Entrusting familiar people with this information can let them motivate you, along with helping you beat temptations. It will give you the ability to ask for help when you need it and aid others in understanding your situation.
If you have a desire to stop smoking, you should consider trying hypnosis. Many smokers have had a good success rate with the help of a licensed hypnotist. The hypnotist can put you into a deep trance and provide you with positive affirmations that stay embedded in your mind. When you are awakened from this trance, you might not be as interested in cigarettes as you were before, making your goal more attainable.
Get a good night’s sleep every night if you are trying to stop smoking. For many, cigarette cravings increase during late nights. There are not people around late at night, this will make it easy for you to sneak a smoke. Optimize your health and reduce your cravings by sleeping for at least eight hours per night.
Taking things slowly can help you quit smoking. Instead of focusing on quitting forever, just focus on quitting for today. You’ll feel like you’ve achieved more by celebrating every single day you don’t smoke. Once you are committed to short term quitting, thinking about the long term will be easier.
Nicotine Replacement
Join a gym or create an exercise routine, not only to get benefits related to your health, but to help you keep away from cigarettes as well. Movement of any kind is also an effective tool for stress relief. If you don’t exercise, start off slowly with a few walks. Always go to your physician before you start exercising.
Nicotine replacement therapy is a great option. When you withdraw from nicotine, you may feel restless, depressed, irritable or frustrated. Additionally, the cravings can cause extreme discomfort during the day. These overwhelming feelings may be eased with nicotine-replacement therapy. Smokers who use nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges as an aid in trying to quit double their chances of succeeding. However, do not use nicotine replacement products while smoking.
Try eating healthy to combat any weight gain from quitting smoking. This is one way to combat the characteristic weight gain that comes with quitting. When you stop smoking, your body will crave foods. To stay healthy, eat healthy foods instead of junk.
Avoid some of the places and behaviors that can lead to smoking cigarettes. If you always used to smoke while reading a book, you may have to temporarily put your book down until you have broken your smoking habit. Look for a positive alternative to fill the time and distract your mind.
Stop cold turkey- it will be hard, but worth it. To begin your journey, you must simply stop smoking first. This is a simple solution to quitting, but it’s not always easy. This strategy may not be the easiest method of quitting. However, this method has been shown to actually be more effective, as time goes by.
Set a series of intermediate goals as part of your program to stop smoking. As you achieve each goal, reward yourself. You can take yourself out to a new movie release after the first week. On day 30 you can go out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. This will help to increase motivation for your reward in an effort to eliminate smoking from your thoughts.
When you are tempted to smoke, tell yourself, “No. never. I won’t take even one puff.” You may be thinking that you can handle having just one cigarette, but in reality, that one cigarette will probably undo all of your quitting efforts. Remember that having “just one” can exacerbate your cravings and get you on the wrong path.
If you wish to steer clear of strong cravings and feelings of withdrawal, see if you can come up with healthy methods for managing stress. You may find it helpful to work out during the most difficult part of the day, learn a new skill or hobby, or book massages on a regular schedule. When you’ve got downtime, distract yourself with friends, books and games, so you don’t think of smoking.
When quitting smoking, keep in mind that the process will be most difficult during the first week. The initial 48 hours is when the body tries to get rid of all the nicotine it has held onto. After this initial period, your nicotine cravings will, for the most part, be psychological. It is still difficult, but they will be much less menacing.
Deciding to quit smoking might be a very difficult one, but it is an ultimately rewarding decision that you will never regret. While succeeding at quitting the habit of smoking may seem impossible, it does not have to be. You will need to call upon your willpower, be patient and give it time. Having the right tools and information at hand will also help you on your journey. Incorporate the advice you have found above into your life, and you too will finally be able to toss this nasty habit.
When attempting to quit smoking, stay positive. Even the hardest working quitters can fail. Figure out what caused your determination to wane and treat it as a learning experience to help guide you the next time you quit. What you learn from one failure can help you to avoid another.