Your family thinks it would be in your best interest to stop smoking. Your doctor will want you to do that too. You can even get a discount on your insurance for quitting. So, what’s holding you back? There is no better time than now to quit smoking, so keep reading for some very useful advice on how you can stop, once and for all.
Make your quitting attempt as easy on yourself as you can. Don’t go the cold turkey route. Statistically, people who try cold turkey fail 95% of the time. Nicotine is a drug, and like all drugs it can be physically addicting. Opt for nicotine replacements or prescription medications to help you kick the habit. You’ll be better equipped to make it through withdrawal and quit smoking permanently.
One aid to help you in quitting is to make a list of reasons why you should quit smoking, and also the reasons why you resist quitting. Putting things on paper can have a profound effect on your mental outlook. This can help you stay motivated, and may make quitting easier.
Hypnosis is an effective tool to use when you quit smoking. Many individuals have quit successfully after working with a licensed hypnotist. The hypnotist puts you into a trance, giving your mind positive affirmations which stay with you. When you wake up, you may find that cigarettes have somewhat lost their appeal, which is a positive step in the quitting process.
If you feel you have to smoke a cigarette, then try to put off your first one as long as possible. Take a long walk, do the dishes or put away the laundry before permitting yourself to smoke. Sometimes, taking this time to let your mind think of other things will be enough to ward off thoughts of your taking a puff. If you desire to smoke a cigarette, the delay could cause you to smoke one less cigarette that day.
No matter what, you need to look at your quitting one day at a time. The road to stopping is just a process. Do not allow yourself to worry about what will happen next week, next month or even next year. Just go through it one day at a time, just getting rid of the smoking habit in the short term.
When quitting smoking, inform your family and friends about your intentions. If you let those around you know of your intent to quit, they will be able to motivate you, and keep you away from any temptation. This could be that extra push that helps keep you on track towards your smoking cessation.
Start exercising at home or join the local gym, to keep you occupied and prevent you from smoking. Movement of any kind is also an effective tool for stress relief. A lack of an exercise routine in your life means taking your time and beginning with short measured increments of activity. You should consult a physician before implementing any exercise routine.
Make sure that you get an ample amount of rest when you are working to stop smoking. For many smokers, staying up for extended hours can lead to increased cravings. This is also an easier time to sneak in a cigarette. Optimize your health and reduce your cravings by sleeping for at least eight hours per night.
Ensure that you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep when you’re in the process of giving up your smoking habit. The longer you stay up, the more cravings you’ll face. Sitting alone on a late night also makes you feel like you can sneak a cigarette without disappointing anyone. Getting eight hours of rest each night will help to keep you mentally focused, meaning you’re better able to control those cravings.
You’ve got the resources, the drive, and the means to quit; now it’s time to put them all together. Once you are a non-smoker, you’ll enjoy better health, increased mood, and a longer lifespan. You will save a great deal of money and be able to spend more time with your friends and family, so start today.
Your doctor can help you quit smoking. Some medications can make it easier to quit smoking. Your physician can also introduce you to a network of support, including hotlines and groups, that will make it more likely that you will quit.