Stumbling On Quitting Smoking? Try A Few Of These Ideas!
Your family has asked that you try to stop smoking. Your doctor will want you to do that too. Your insurance company dangles a discount in front of you to get you to quit. So, what’s holding you back? Even if you have failed before, you can do it this time. Use the following tips to quit smoking for good.
Support Group
If you are sincere in your effort to quit, find a support group and stick with them. Talking to your peers will help you to find new techniques for fighting cravings, have emotional support and find new non-smoking friends. This support group can give you the benefit of their experience, what works well to make quitting easier. Check your newspaper and local hospital for support resources.
Try to delay your next cigarette. Try telling yourself you can have a smoke after you take a walk, or after you drink a big glass of water. Sometimes, these delaying tactics provide enough time for the craving to pass before you ever light up. You may decide not to smoke it at all.
Hypnosis can help quit smoking. Many smokers have had a good success rate with the help of a licensed hypnotist. Entering a deep trance while hearing positive affirmations may work for you. Cigarettes are less appealing to you when you wake, making you that much closer to quitting.
Make sure to get adequate sleep while you try to stop smoking. When you keep later nights, you become vulnerable to giving in to your cigarette cravings. Late nights may also be tempting times to sneak a cigarette, especially if the rest of your house is asleep. Getting eight hours of rest each night will help to keep you mentally focused, meaning you’re better able to control those cravings.
Try eating healthy to combat any weight gain from quitting smoking. This is one way to combat the characteristic weight gain that comes with quitting. Feed your cravings with only the healthiest foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Try to encourage friends and family to support your decision to stop smoking. Communicate your need for support, so that they can understand their important roles, rather than becoming judgmental or doubtful. Make sure you tell them that you might be a bit cranky, especially during the first few days after your last cigarette. Make sure that you have support from close friends and loved ones during your quitting process, this support can come in handy as quitting is not easy.
The first step of any program to stop smoking is making the commitment to see it through. You can be more successful at quitting if you have the best mindset. To stay motivated, it is important to remember why you initially wanted to quit.
Reward yourself for passing milestones on your journey. For instance, once a week has gone by without a cigarette, go to a movie. If you can quit for a month, treat yourself to dinner at the most delicious restaurant in town. Eventually, once smoking is eliminated from your mind, get a big treat.
When you stop smoking, you’ll need a healthy way to cope with the stress associated with the nicotine withdrawal. Get some exercise when cravings hit, engage in a hobby or teach your partner to give a great massage. If you know you will have some free time, fill it with fun distractions like a new book or game or coffee with a friend.
Staying positive will help you quit smoking for good. Visualize the improvements you’ll experience in your quality of life once you’re a non-smoker. Turn your focus to your cleaner breath, cleaner teeth, and a fresher smelling home. Thinking about all the good that can happen as a result of quitting can be just as motivational as thinking about the bad.
Reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke a little each day. That way, you can get off to a good start in your efforts to quit smoking. Try a delay of one hour before you smoke your first morning cigarette. You can also try to only smoke half of a cigarette at a time to cut back on smoking.
If you want to give up smoking for good, you may need to practice quitting. Most people are not going to be successful at quitting on their first try. Take quitting one day at a time, and try to not smoke until you just can’t take it any more. If you do experience a setback, set a quit date and get back on track. Each time, make sure to extend the period between cigarettes an additional week. Eventually, you will quit that final time and never go back.
Each time you hit a landmark in your regimen to stop smoking, reward yourself. Write a list of gifts to give yourself for reaching every milestone. For motivational reasons, make sure you have your reward chart somewhere it is easily seen by you. This might just help to keep you motivated during times of weakness.
Use “NOPE,” a.k.a not one puff ever, for your mantra. It’s easy to relapse when you’re in the moment, but don’t undo all of the work and commitment you put into quitting. Before the urge hits, remind yourself of all the damage “just one” cigarette can do.
This article has given you everything you need to quit smoking for life. If you quit you will feel much happier, and you can even extend your lifespan. Use the money that you saved on cigarettes and buy a treat for your family.