Pretty much everyone who smokes know that it kills, but fail to quit again and again. Quitting is possible, but it is challenging. Oftentimes, people return to smoking instead of putting in the work to overcome their addiction. If you feel you are ready to take that leap and become a non-smoker, then read on for some timely advice to help you overcome your addiction.
One way to boost your success with quitting smoking, is building a list good and bad associations with quitting. You will remember these reasons, and think about them every time you want to smoke. By making this list, you can spark your interest and motivation in quitting, and help you focus on quitting so that you can more easily stop smoking.
You can find a support group in your area for the support you need to be able to quit smoking. It can be helpful to discuss your problems with ex-smokers who have had the same challenges as you. People who have been in your position can help guide you through the process. Support groups can be found at recreational centers, community colleges, or churches locally.
If you feel like you absolutely must smoke, try the delay method first. Tell yourself you need to go for a walk first, or maybe that you need to drink a glass of water first. You may find that delaying your next cigarette a little bit will reduce your cravings. Even if you do succumb to the cigarette in the end, you will at least have smoked one or two less than you normally would have that day.
Tell your loved ones that you’re quitting smoking today. When you trust those around you with information like this, they can help keep you motivated, as well as keeping temptation at bay. A supportive group of loved ones can give you the push you need to stick to your plans for quitting.
Stay in the present moment, and take quitting one day at a time. This is a process that could take months before results are apparent. Think about the present without concerning yourself with the future. Make efforts on a daily basis and focus on getting through each day without smoking so that this new habits becomes part of your lifestyle.
Get the support of your loved ones, so you can quit smoking more easily. Let them know that you need that kind of support and that there is no need to be judged by them. Make sure you tell them that you might be a bit cranky, especially during the first few days after your last cigarette. You’ll need the support of others during this process.
When quitting smoking, inform your family and friends about your intentions. When you tell these people you’ve quit, they will motivate you to stay committed. This could be what you need to keep going.
If you are not able to quit cold turkey, look into products made specifically for aiding the process. These include gum and patches. When you use these medications, you replace the nicotine from cigarettes with nicotine from the products. This helps you avoid nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Replace sweets with fresh produce to prevent gaining weight as you quit smoking. This is one way to combat the characteristic weight gain that comes with quitting. Keep in mind that your body may crave food after quitting, so it’s best to eat healthy and have a healthier mindset.
Make a study of what triggers your smoking, and then find ways to avoid your triggers. As an example, if you used to automatically light a cigarette before you made a phone call, you will need to substitute something else in its place. Distract yourself with something else at those times.
Ask your family members to get on board with your decision to stop smoking. It’s critical, however, that they understand that you want positive support, not reproach. Also, warn them that you may be bad-tempered in the beginning and that your judgment may be somewhat cloudy. Quitting is one of the most difficult things a smoker may have to go through in their life and gaining the support of your loved ones is imperative to your success.
Never attempt to quit smoking by yourself. Having loves ones support you will help tremendously. It is also a good idea to make use of a support group. Your peers will know exactly what you’re going through and be able to offer assistance and advice.
When planning your quit, do not forget to factor in rewards for the important milestones you will reach. Come up with a worthwhile reward for every set amount of days, weeks or months you go without smoking. Put this list on the refrigerator and look at it every morning before work or school. You might be surprised by how much these rewards can motivate you to overcome obstacles.
When you commit to quitting smoking, plan out appropriate rewards for every milestone you achieve. For instance, after your first smoke-free week you could go to a movie. Once you’ve passed that month long milestone, enjoy a fancy night out at your favorite restaurant. This will help to increase motivation for your reward in an effort to eliminate smoking from your thoughts.
Look at quitting as something you are earning, rather than something you are sacrificing. It is easier change your behavior by thinking of the rewards. A positive approach is more effective than a negative one. Remember how very valuable it will be in your life, and how the pros of quitting far outweigh the cons. Repeating these ideas to yourself will help you maintain your motivation and dedication.
Plan ahead on how to manage any stressful situations. When faced with stress, many smokers light up as if on autopilot. If you develop an alternate plan, however, you will be better able to avoid smoking. Having multiple plans in place is ideal, in case one plan does not work out.
Find someone that you can call on for support in case you feel tempted to smoke while you’re trying to quit. Let a family member or friend know that you are struggling. Not only does the phone act as a good diversion until your craving has ended, it is always good to know that you’re not alone when dealing with this type of issue.
Stop smoking today. Decide to quit today instead of setting your quit date in the future. By quitting immediately, you lower your chances of succumbing to a possibly fatal disease. Your family is also affected by your smoking, as secondhand smoke has shown to be deadly.
When you’re trying to quit smoking, get the help of your family and friends. Tell those who are close to you that you plan on quitting. Their added support could be the key to your success. Look for other ways to subsidize their support, like by joining a forum or by pursuing behavioral therapy.
Have a conversation with your doctor that includes a discussion of medications that can assist in quitting. There have been a lot of advances made in terms of how to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy and pharmaceutical medication can help ameliorate some of the troublesome effects of withdrawal. Consult your doctor for guidance and recommendations.
List all of the reasons why you should quit smoking. You should staple this list to your pack of cigarettes: when you are craving a cigarette, read this list instead.
Counseling may be what you need, to stop smoking. Some people smoke as a result of emotional issues. Once you deal with the issue, urges to smoke may become less frequent. If this is a strategy that you think would work for you, make an appointment to speak with your primary care physician for a referral to a counselor who can help.
Find alternate methods of keeping your mouth occupied if needing to have something in your mouth is a component of your addiction. Some people like to suck or chew on gum and hard candy and keep it handy when the urge to smoke creeps up on them. Others find electronic cigarettes offer fast relief.
If you simply smoke to satisfy an oral fixation, then find something else you can do to make your mouth busy. You might want to stock hard candy or gum in your desk drawer or keep it in your purse if you are trying to quit smoking. An electronic cigarette has helped many others overcome nicotine dependency.
Make a list of your habits when it comes to lighting up. When do you want to smoke the most? If you’re prepared for tobacco cravings, you’ll be prepared to deal with them and will be less likely to give in to temptation.
Quit Smoking
Follow a sensible diet. Do not quit smoking and start a diet in the same week. Rather, try to follow a balanced diet. There have been studies that have shown that eating low-fat dairy products, veggies and fruits will actually leave you with a bad taste if you are a smoker. If you eat these items when you do not smoke, you will be doing a huge favor to your health, and it will help you stay away from those harmful cigarettes.
As you can see, if you really try, it is possible to quit smoking. It is important to maintain your determination and follow your plans to the letter. Make an honest effort using the advice you’ve read here, and you might just quit smoking for good.
Be realistic about why quitting smoking will be hard for you at first. A lot of people who manage to quit, end up smoking again after a few months. It may be very tempting to have a quick cigarette when you are tired or stressed. Be wary of what triggers you.