How You Can Give Up Smoking For Good
Smoking is an unhealthy activity that can have severe negative consequences for both you and the people around you. It can lead to lung cancer, emphysema, heart attacks, and various other health issues. Those around you that breathe in your smoke are also at risk. These are just some of the reasons why you should quit. The following article will show you tips that can help you be successful in quitting smoking and lead a healthier lifestyle.
A support group can help you follow up on your decision to stop smoking. You’ll gain a lot of sympathy, advice and support by building relationships with people that have gone or are going through the same thing. This can help you feel comfortable by associating with people who have gone through the same issues. You can check your local church, rec center, or even the community college to find these support groups.
If you feel you have to smoke a cigarette, then try to put off your first one as long as possible. Force yourself to do something, whether it is go for a walk around the block or simply drinking an entire glass of water, before you are allowed to have a cigarette. You may find that delaying your next cigarette a little bit will reduce your cravings. If you still feel you need that cigarette, delaying it may mean you will be smoking at least one less on that particular day.
If you have a desire to stop smoking, you should consider trying hypnosis. Many people have found success with professional hypnotists. The hypnotist places you in a state where you are particularly susceptible to suggestion, and inserts positive ideas into your subconscious. This hypnosis will tell your brain that smoking is not appealing, helping you avoid the urge to smoke.
10 Minutes
If you get the urge to light up, try using a delay tactic. Tell yourself how you’ll feel in about 10 minutes and distract yourself. You should see the craving pass within the 10 minutes. If this does not happen right away, keep repeating this technique.
Your primary care physician can be a great resource if your are not able to quit smoking by yourself. He can prescribe you a medication to help ease your anxiety, withdrawal symptoms and even irritability. Not only will your doctor be able to offer you medicine, they can provide information on support groups and help hotlines that can enhance your ability to succeed in quitting.
Don’t try to stop smoking without help and support from others. Seek encouragement from friends and family – let them know you are trying to quit, and allow them to help you. Joining a support group can also be a great help. Having a talk with those who are sharing the same experience can help you through the process.
Cravings seem to come most often when an individual is feeling stressed. To keep yourself from falling victim to this, find a healthy alternative for stress relief. 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. Give yourself enjoyable distractions to keep you away from smoking, such as playing with your pets or kids.
Make the choice to not smoke at all. Do not convince yourself that smoking one cigarette will not hurt your good resolutions; one will soon turn into two, and all your hard work will be for nothing. Remember that even one cigarette can restart the mental addiction.
Getting rid of anything that can remind you of smoking is beneficial for anyone trying to kick the habit. You can start by throwing out any lighters, matches or ashtrays. Clean everything in your home and wash your clothes to get rid off all hints of the smoke smell. This helps prevent you being reminded of smoking, triggering a craving.
A counselor may help you stop smoking. There are often emotional reasons that contribute to a person’s smoking habit. If you resolve your issues, you won’t want to smoke as much. Your doctor can help direct you to a counselor.
Use your reasons for quitting to create an empowering mantra. Every time your resolve wavers, repeat the reasons you’re quitting until you don’t crave tobacco. This can take the focus away from your craving and place it back on what is important.
Smoking is an unhealthy and dangerous habit. Smoking is associated with a wide range of serious health problems, including lung cancer, emphysema, and heart attacks. The second-hand smoke that is generated, is quite dangerous as well, and affects everyone around you. Put the advice you have found here into practice, and you may be able to kick that bad habit forever.