If you are trying to stop smoking, having the right motivation is key. The benefits that will come about after you stop are enormous. Some of these benefits have to be of motivation to you, so keeping a list handy for the hard times is a great help. For example, kicking the habit will save money, preserve your appearance and work toward a long and healthy life with your family. Keep reading to find out more about the most efficient methods to quit smoking.
Try to stop smoking by using the method that is easiest for your needs. Under no circumstances should you attempt to quit cold turkey. This method of quitting has a 95 percent failure rate. Try strategies such as medication, therapy or a patch. You will have an easier time making it through early withdrawal, which will give you a better chance of quitting.
Developing an honest list of the pros of smoking and the cons of smoking can help you achieve your goal to stop smoking. Putting the issue in writing will help you to see it more clearly. You’ll be able to use the list as motivation whenever you need it, helping to focus you on your goals.
When you have finally chosen to quit smoking, think about joining a support group. It could be beneficial to talk to ex-smokers who have experienced the same things you are going through, and understand the physical and emotional challenges that you are going through. People who have been in your position can help guide you through the process. It is possible to find support groups at many places like churches, colleges, or rec centers.
When it comes to smoking cessation, do not make things even harder than they already are. Do not attempt quitting the cold turkey way. There’s a huge chance you’ll fail if you use this method. Because nicotine is so addicting, a patch, medication, or therapy may be helpful. You will have an easier time making it through early withdrawal, which will give you a better chance of quitting.
If you need to smoke, try delaying it. Take a long walk or watch a television program to get your mind off smoking. Perhaps the extra few minutes spent occupying your mind with something else can prevent you from smoking. Even if you ultimately do smoke, delaying may still reduce the total number of cigarettes you have in a day.
Support Group
Make sure you remember to take quitting one step at a time. Kicking your habit for good is not an overnight thing; it is a long-term process. Do not concern yourself with next month or next year. Do not spend your time worrying about tomorrow; focus on avoiding cigarettes one day at a time.
Joining a good support group can help you quit smoking. 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. People like this can give you important tips, support, and even guidance. There may be a support group for people who are trying to quit in your community. Look at places such as community colleges or churches.
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. The help of these people can keep you focused on your plan to quit smoking.
Make sure you remember to take quitting one step at a time. Quitting smoking is a task that needs to be dealt with methodically. Don’t waste your time thinking about next year, next month or even next week. Just go through it one day at a time, just getting rid of the smoking habit in the short term.
Rest is key if you want to seriously quit smoking. For a lot of people, if you are up late, it will make you want to smoke. This is also an easier time to sneak in a cigarette. So, make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep every night so that your body and mind are well rested and able to tackle your smoking addiction head on.
If you are creating a quit plan, be sure to write a list of all the ways you can give up the habit. Creating a personalized, quitting smoking list will help to increase the likelihood that you will be able to successfully quit. Everyone has their own ways of getting things done. It’s useful for you to understand exactly what works the best for you. Making a list helps with that process.
Use a good delay tactic when you are feeling an overwhelming desire to smoke a cigarette. Try to distract your mind and your body for 10 minutes by going for a walk or calling a friend; in this time your urge will probably have passed. If you still feel the urge, try to keep distracting yourself for 10 minute increments to put off smoking for as long as possible.
Nicotine Replacement
Avoiding the triggers that cause you to crave a cigarette is key in quitting totally. 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. You need to find other things to think about or do, to take your mind off smoking during those times.
Nicotine replacement therapy can be an effective weapon in breaking the smoking habit. This type of therapy aims to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including depression, restlessness, and irritability. Cravings can be difficult to ignore. Nicotine replacement products such as gum can be very effective in dealing with cravings. Smokers who use nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges as an aid in trying to quit double their chances of succeeding. It’s important to avoid using these if you are still smoking.
One helpful way to start quitting is to switch to a different brand of cigarettes. Start using a brand you dislike or a cigarette you find distasteful. Do not smoke a greater quantity if you have chosen to purchase light cigarettes. This is one method that will ease you into quitting smoking.
While in the process of quitting smoking, allow yourself a reward as you reach certain milestones. For instance, you might decide to see a movie as a treat to mark one week without a cigarette. At the one month point, dine out at a restaurant you’ve been interested in checking out. Continue working towards these smaller goals until you find you can go without smoking indefinitely.
The best advice you can get for quitting smoking is just to stop. In fact, this is the only possible way to start yourself on the road to a smoke-free lifestyle. Stop yourself, immediately, and never look back. Commit to stopping, period. In the long-term, the method is the successful one.
Let your loved ones know that you want to stop smoking. Your loved ones undoubtedly want to support you, and they can serve as reminders of why quitting is so important. A support system can be tremendously valuable. A solid support system greatly improves your chances of quitting permanently.
If you smoke at home, clean your place thoroughly, so it doesn’t smell of smoke. Clean your house and wash your furniture, so it doesn’t smell like smoke. This way, your fresh smelling house won’t remind you of smoking.
Positive thinking and motivation can be a key part of quitting smoking. Try to imagine how fulfilled your life will become when you finally quit. Know that your breath will be fresher, your teeth will appear cleaner and your home will smell better. While knowing the dangers of smoking may scare some into putting the tobacco down, it can be an enormous benefit to consider the benefits of quitting too.
You need to find ways to have your motivation in sight at all times. Many people find that placing motivational messages throughout their home and office help on their journey to quitting smoking. Regardless of your specific strategy, having a visual reminder can help you fight off the urge to smoke a cigarette.
You need to fight through the challenging moments as you attempt to stop smoking. When you think of all the things you have to gain or lose by your smoking choices, the decisions should be clear. Remember to follow the good advice you just read, and you will be on your way to getting rid of this habit 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. In the United States alone, cigarette smoking is responsible for 20 percent of all deaths. Avoid becoming a statistic!