Most people who smoke really want to stop but consider it difficult to near impossible to do so and that they are simply incapable. In this article, the tips and information provided can assist you in taking those beginning steps to being free of your smoking habit.
Break down the benefits of quitting smoking by creating a list of specific pros and cons. When something is put into writing, it may have an affect on how you think about things. It can strengthen your motivation to quit, and reduce the difficulty of quitting, by keeping your attention on your desire to quit.
When you’ve made the decision that smoking is no longer for you, seek out a support group for help. Support groups can help you learn how to cope with the physical and emotional challenges you may experience while quitting. These individuals can offer support, guidance, and great tips to help you quit. Inquire at your local churches, colleges and universities, and YMCA to find out if they run support groups.
Make your quitting attempt as easy on yourself as you can. Don’t try going cold turkey. Only 5% of people who try this method are successful. Because nicotine is very addictive, you should utilize some type of therapy, medication, or a patch. This will help you to get through the early stages of withdrawal, and will make it easier to quit smoking.
Each new day is one step in the process of eliminating smoking from your life. Giving up the tobacco habit is a long process. Because of this, it’s counterproductive to think too far ahead. Keep your focus on making it through one day at a time, with the idea that the habits you create or break today will follow you into the future.
When you feel the desire to smoke, try to postpone your cigarette as long as possible. Bargain with yourself, telling yourself that you can smoke after taking a walk, or after having a big glass of water. Sometimes, these delaying tactics provide enough time for the craving to pass before you ever light up. If you desire to smoke a cigarette, the delay could cause you to smoke one less cigarette that day.
Be open and let people know about your goal to quit smoking. Informing loved ones of your plans will give them the ability to help you with your journey. This could be that extra push that helps keep you on track towards your smoking cessation.
Start up some type of exercise, in order to keep your mind busy, and stay away from cigarettes. Furthermore, exercise relieves stress and anxiety. If you are out of shape or in poor health, you should begin slowly and gradually increase the pace and intensity. Make sure to discuss any exercise routine with your doctor before beginning it.
If you do not think you can quit cold turkey, try nicotine replacement products, like gum or patches. These products can be bought over the counter and give your body nicotine while you are breaking the habit. They are very helpful in reducing the withdrawal symptoms.
If you want to stay away from any weight gain that you will have that is involved with quitting smoking, try eating fruits and vegetables. This will help control your weight at this crucial time. Feed your cravings with only the healthiest foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
When you are trying to quit smoking, you need to make sure that you are avoiding any triggers that will make you want a cigarette. For instance, if you tend to smoke while driving or while drinking, it is important to adjust the way you do such things, so that do not automatically prompt you to smoke. Find something else that can take your mind off of things when this happens
When you are trying to quit smoking, you need to make sure that you are avoiding any triggers that will make you want a cigarette. For instance, if you always smoke when you are talking on the phone, than you need to find something else to do with your hands, or go to a different room to talk so that you do not think about lighting a cigarette. You need to find a distraction, to think about something else.
Before you start, you need to make a commitment to quitting. You can be more successful at quitting if you have the best mindset. You can stay committed by thinking of all the reasons that you wanted to quit in the first place.
Prior to starting the smoking cessation process, it is important to be certain that you can stay motivated and committed. Lots of people fail when they try to quit due to the fact that they didn’t have the proper mindset, or they simply gave up too fast. Think about the reasons for quitting and you can continue to stay committed.
If you want to stop smoking, talk to your physician. Your physician will likely have access to resources that you are unaware of to help you quit. He can also prescribe you medication to help treat anxiety and stress, deal with cravings or other health issues which appear when you quit.
Boost your capacity to deal with nicotine withdrawal, by using healthy methods of coping with its side effect of 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 have some free time, have pleasant distractions around you, such as reading an excellent book, talking with your friends, or playing new games.
Let your loved ones know that you want to stop smoking. They’ll be able to help you get through the tough times and be a reminder of why you’re quitting. It’s hard to quit without a support system. Doing so helps maximize your likelihood of success, and gets you closer to your goal.
Consider cutting back on your smoking. This is the first step in your journey on the way to quitting, and even cutting back a little can give you a boost of confidence and motivation. Try waiting an hour or so before having your first cigarette of the day. In addition, you can smoke less by only smoking a half cigarette each time you smoke.
A major factor in terms of quitting will be your positive thinking and your motivation to quit. Consider the many ways your life will improve after you quit. Think about how much better you and your home will smell once you’ve made the change to stopping smoking. Seeing the negatives of smoking can frighten people into quitting, but imagining all the positives can be just as helpful.
Don’t think of quitting as a sacrifice; think of it as doing yourself a favor. Keeping a positive attitude about quitting can help you stay committed, allowing you to drop the habit faster. Try to mentally picture how much better your life will be, in so many different dimensions, without cigarettes. Stay focused on the positive motivating factors involved in your choice.
Reduce smoking. Taking gradual steps is a great way to help achieve your long-term goals of quitting. Upon waking, wait one hour before having your first daily smoke. Try smoking just half a cigarette when you do smoke to cut down a little at a time.
Take the time and money you save by quitting smoking, and apply it to exercising. Your mood is given a positive boost by the endorphins released in your body following a workout, making physical activity an effective way to keep your mind off smoking when you want to smoke. Exercise will also help boost your metabolism to make up for the hit it takes when you quit smoking, reducing your potential weight gain.
You may have to quit smoking several times before you quit for good. Most people who try to quit will fail on the first and second times. Instead of expecting perfection from yourself, just quit for as long as possible. If you start again, immediately pick a new date to quit. Just keep quitting and go longer each time, learning along the way. Eventually, you’ll get so good at it that you’ll quit one time and just not go back.
Some people are addicted to the feeling of having a cigarette in their mouths. If you’re one of those people, put something else in your mouth whenever you feel the urge to smoke. Many quitters like to use gum, hard candy, or mints to keep their mouths occupied. Others find electronic cigarettes offer fast relief.
If you smoke in your home, give it a very thorough cleaning when you quit. Clean your carpets and furnishings, launder all your curtains or drapes, and wash down all the walls in your home. This way, your fresh smelling house won’t remind you of smoking.
Make a record of the times and places you typically smoke. Determine the time you are more prone to smoke, so you develop an appropriate program to help you quit. If you know what causes you to crave a cigarette, you’ll be able to avoid those situations and butt out for good.
It is in your best interest to stay away from things you like to do where you usually would have a cigarette, if you want to quit smoking. If you’ve always had cigarettes during your happy hour or with your coffee, try changing this type of routine. Drinking coffee on your way to work or staying away from bars can help you short circuit the cravings.
Don’t ever give up when trying to quit smoking. The majority of people who quit successfully don’t do it on their first try. Look closely and calmly at your slips to figure out what caused you to smoke. After you’ve done this work, return to your plan and get through the rest of your day without another cigarette.
To help with getting the determination to quit smoking, remember your loved ones and how your smoking impacts your health and theirs. Statistics show that one in five Americans die because of cigarettes. Don’t be a statistic.
Instead of smoking, exercise. While your body repairs and heals the damage caused by years of smoking, you’ll begin to notice that you can have more energetic, effective workouts. Once you see the benefits of quitting cigarettes and you begin to live healthier, you will be even more motivated to not return to smoking and lose what you have gained.
Trying to give up smoking can be a very difficult task. Yet, this does not mean it is not possible. You do need to put in the time, have patience and exercise some willpower. You will be best served by gaining as much knowledge and assistance as you can. Use the tips from the article above, and you will be smoke free before you know it.
Lots of people who successfully stop smoking achieve this by creating a different outlook. Try taking the “day by day” approach and you will find it much easier in the long run. Research cognitive behavioral therapies to help change your routine and break the control tobacco has over your mind.