Many people know it is not a good idea to smoke, but they still decide to do it. It is much easier to say you want to quit than to actually do it. This article can help you learn about quitting smoking for good.
If you want to quit smoking, join 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. They will offer invaluable support and guidance, as well as insider tips that can help you quit. You can check your local church, rec center, or even the community college to find these support groups.
As soon as you decide to stop smoking, join a support group. It can help to network with others who understand your physical and emotional symptoms, as they’re experiencing the same thing. People with experience quitting, or going through the same thing as you, can offer their own tips and advice. Support groups can be found in many places, even on the Internet, so take some time to research what’s available to you.
If you feel like you absolutely must smoke, try the delay method first. Whatever you can do to delay smoking will help, so take a walk, drink some water or lie down. Just a little extra time before you light up might stop you from smoking that cigarette. If you still decide to smoke that cigarette, the delay time might just mean that you smoke one less that day.
Make sure to get adequate sleep while you try to stop smoking. If you stay up late, it may increase cigarette cravings. Sitting alone on a late night also makes you feel like you can sneak a cigarette without disappointing anyone. Optimize your health and reduce your cravings by sleeping for at least eight hours per night.
If you want to stop smoking, you need to make a list on how you will go about quitting. Take time to customize your list as a way to quit smoking more effectively. There are typically many different ways for accomplishing any given goal, and the people vary in which of these ways will be most effective for them. It is important to understand what works for you and your needs. Creating this personalized list does just that.
Secondhand Smoke
If you are overwhelmed by the urge to smoke try using the delay tactic. By reminding yourself that you will revisit your feelings in ten minutes, and keeping yourself occupied while those minutes pass, you may find that your craving has vanished within that period of time. If the craving is still there, repeat the process as often as you need to.
One of the benefits of quitting smoking is improving the health of your family. Even if your family members choose not to smoke, they could get cancer or other serious illnesses from inhaling secondhand smoke. Your family members will spend less time exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke when you stop smoking. This means that not only will quitting make you healthier, it will make your loved ones healthier too.
Try to encourage friends and family to support your decision to stop smoking. You need to let them know that you want their support, not their judgment. Tell them that you’ll probably be irrational and in a depressed mood first. 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.
Tell everyone you know the great news – you’re quitting! They will be there for you, and they can be a major force in reminding you why you are quitting smoking. A support system can be tremendously valuable. A solid support system greatly improves your chances of quitting permanently.
Before you start, you need to make a commitment to quitting. By having a positive outlook, you are more likely to succeed. You could stay committed by remembering the reasons on why you wanted to stop smoking initially.
Psychologically train yourself to handle any type of stressful situation that might come about. A lot of people that smoke are used to smoking a cigarette when they get stressed. Having an alternate activity planned to deal with stress can help you avoid smoking. Have a backup plan in case the first plan doesn’t work.
Be sure your family and friends know you’re quitting smoking. They can then support you in your efforts. If you surround yourself with a strong support system, it will be a big help in your battle to quit. A solid support system greatly improves your chances of quitting permanently.
Make a vow to never take another puff again. Though you may be tempted to smoke during times of stress, do not allow those urges to undo your hard work. Remember that if you cave in once, it makes it that much easier to rationalize caving in again.
Quit slowly by reducing the number you smoke over time. That will help you slowly begin your journey to quit smoking. You should try to wait an hour in the morning before you smoke. Try smoking only half a cigarette to reduce your smoking.
Always maintain a positive attitude when you are trying to quit smoking. Most people do fail on their first attempt but use it as a learning experience for your next time. Know where you made a mistake, and learn from your mistakes before you attempt to quit yet again. You may experience a bigger triumph down the road.
Find a method to remind yourself of your motivation at all times. For example, you could put messages on your walls or refrigerator. These reminders will give you the drive you need to fight temptations.
Stop Smoking
Make a plan on how to deal with stressful moments. Avoid the temptation to light up when you’re stressed; this is a common response of those who smoke regularly. Therefore, it is essential that you develop a strategy on what to do when stress occurs. Make sure you also have a backup plan, on the chance that the first one does not help.
Speak with a medical professional about any stop smoking aids that are good for quitting. There have been many advances in the area of smoking cessation. There are many options available to help you stop smoking, and these range from certain medications that help with withdrawal to nicotine replacement therapies. Consult your physician and see if they can point you in the direction of a product that can help you kick the habit forever.
To help with getting the determination to quit smoking, remember your loved ones and how your smoking impacts your health and theirs. There are statistics which state that as many as one in five American deaths are related to smoking. Do not become a number!
Create a mantra which details why you’re quitting. When you feel a craving, or a have a moment of weakness, list the reasons why you quit. This will help to create positive messages in your mind.
The first week after you quit smoking will certainly be the worst stage. During the first 48 hours, your body will be eliminating its buildup of nicotine. 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.
Rally the support of your loved ones. Inform everybody who is close about your plan to quit cigarettes for good. They will support you, which can make a huge difference. If you can’t find this support in your home environment, consider other options, such as behavioral therapy or some kind of group settings.
Get fit and have fun! You’ll be able to breathe better almost immediately after quitting, so exercising won’t be as difficult as it has been in the past. Keeping active will help you keep from gaining weight too. Even though endorphins produced from exercise does not replace nicotine cravings, it can reduce the urge.
As has been discussed in this article, you can kick the smoking habit if you honestly apply yourself. The important thing is to remain determined and follow the plans you have for yourself. Suddenly, you will realize that following this advice has helped you stop smoking for good.
Speak with your physician about prescription drug solutions to help you kick the habit. There have been a lot of advances made in terms of how to quit smoking. There are so many potential treatments available, including therapy and medications to help you overcome tobacco addiction. Talk with your doctor and ask what he or she recommends.