Research has proven that nicotine is damaging to your health. Still, smokers have a hard time quitting. If you feel this way, follow this article’s tips. Take whichever of these you think will suit you best in your fight to stop smoking, and apply them now.
Break down the benefits of quitting smoking by creating a list of specific pros and cons. When you put something in writing, it often has an affect on your entire mental outlook. It can strengthen your motivation to quit, and reduce the difficulty of quitting, by keeping your attention on your desire to quit.
Make sure you remember to take quitting one step at a time. It is a big process to quit smoking. Do not think too far ahead in time. Just go through it one day at a time, just getting rid of the smoking habit in the short term.
Consulting your doctor or a specialist can help you get the help that you need to be successful. A variety of medications are available to make the quitting process easier, from anti-depressants to medications that make smoking less desirable. Also ask your doctor for a list of support groups, therapists and any other resources that may be helpful to you.
Quitting a smoking habit is hard enough, but dealing with your smoking triggers will help you out immensely. Many people find that they have an association between driving and smoking, for example. In that case, you need to think of ways in advance to change your driving behavior so you’re not constantly tempted while in the car. Get involved with something else during those times, to keep your mind off of your desire to smoke.
When you’re quitting smoking, give yourself rewards for each milestone you pass along the way. For example, after a week without smoking, treat yourself to a movie. Another goal could be to go a whole month smoke-free. When you attain that goal, give yourself a nice dinner out at a special restaurant. After this, slowly increase your reward until the point has been reached that you don’t think about smoking anymore.
Make an effort to reduce your smoking. If you want to stop smoking completely, this can get you pointed in the right direction. Wait one hour or more to have your first cigarette in the morning. Try smoking only half a cigarette to reduce your smoking.
The first step in any plan to stop smoking, is stopping. You will begin your journey the day you say no to a cigarette. Just stop and never let yourself start again. This method is notoriously challenging. It has actually been shown to be the most effective in the long run.
Quit smoking as soon as possible. Decide to quit today instead of setting your quit date in the future. If you stop now, you will lessen the chance you will die from smoking. You will also prevent your family or roommates from being exposed to secondhand smoke, which makes it even more crucial that you quit.
Eat lots of vegetables, seeds, nuts and fruits while quitting smoking. This will help you quit for a few reasons. Keeping your mouth and hands busy can help replace the smoking motions. Focusing on healthy snack foods can also help you to avoid the weight gain that often comes with quitting. The vitamin content and nutrients in these foods will also help your body feel good as you withdraw from the nicotine.
If your willpower is at an all-time low and you feel very close to giving in to your craving for a cigarette, you need to call someone for their support. Explain your feelings to someone who has been through it and they can help you get through the rough patches. Spending time on the phone will distract you while the craving passes, and it is good to know you have support in your battle with nicotine.
Come up with a list with the top reasons you want to quit. When you feel a craving, or a have a moment of weakness, list the reasons why you quit. This is a strong way to take the physical and mental focus away from your nicotine withdrawal symptoms and put it on the things that are most important to you.
Deep Breathing
Every time you want to smoke a cigarette, try some deep breathing. This redirects your attention and helps you focus on your goal of quitting smoking. You’ll also have the benefit of getting a better supply of oxygen through your lungs, which can be a refreshing break. Deep breathing can be done anywhere and at any time.
Utilizing these ideas should offer you an excellent place to start when trying to finally get rid of these cigarettes once and for all. You do not have to let your life be dictated to by cigarettes. Seize your chance to be rid of this unhealthy habit for good. You will see many benefits in your health and quality of life after you give up smoking.