Don’t let yourself get fooled into believing that it is just too hard to quit smoking. Many people finally give up and decide that there is just no hope for them. If you find something, anything, in this article to help you, then you should keep trying. You can’t succeed if you don’t try.
If you’re trying to quit smoking, stopping “cold turkey” is a bad idea. Quitting without a means of support for nicotine withdrawal is an uphill battle. Because nicotine is addictive, it’s very easy to relapse without some form of support when quitting. It’s best to use smoking cessation medicine, or some type of therapy when you’re ready to quit.
When you smoke, you sometimes are just obsessed with the feeling of having something in your mouth. This can be replaced with a less dangerous habit such as chewing gum or eating candy. Anytime you feel like smoking, just have a piece of hard candy or chew a stick of gum.
When attempting to quit smoking, you should make friends and family aware of your planned changes. When you tell these people you’ve quit, they will motivate you to stay committed. This might just be the extra push that you need to stay on track with your quitting plan.
When you decide to go out with your family or your friends, try to go to places where you cannot smoke. This will prevent you from taking puffs. Try going to a restaurant or going out to a movie. This is a wonderful way to curve your urges, and it is fairly easy. Just make it inconvenient to smoke.
When you decide to quit smoking cigarettes, throw away all of your ashtrays, lighters, empty packs, and other smoking paraphernalia. Keeping these items around can be triggering during your weaker moments, and removing them from your surroundings will make it easier for you to think of yourself as a non-smoker.
Thinking of all the benefits you will receive when you quit smoking may give you the motivation you need. You will be able to save money, you will feel healthier, you won’t smell like cigarettes, and you will live a longer life. If you have children, think of how much they need you.
If smoking is your reaction to stress, replace it with a positive one. Consider getting a massage when you are stressed or participating in an exercise class. Even doing something simple like taking a bath or enjoying a light snack is a better reaction to stress than smoking is. Doing these things will help you to quit, while still keeping your stress level in check.
Start moving. Physical activity is a great for reducing nicotine cravings and can ease some of the withdrawal symptoms. When you crave a cigarette, go for a jog instead. Even mild exercise can be helpful, like pulling the weeds in the garden or taking a leisurely stroll. Plus, the extra activity will burn extra calories and help ward off any weight gain as you are quitting smoking.
Master stress management. Aside from nicotine withdrawal and simple habit, a primary reason you might start smoking again is stress. If you can’t avoid all stress during the first few weeks after quitting, do whatever it takes to manage your stress in another way than having a cigarette. Get a massage or try a yoga class. Find something new and healthy to replace what you’re giving up.
If you are thinking about quitting smoking, it is extremely important to have a plan. One of the most important parts of this plan is setting a “quit date.” This is the date when you plan to completely stop smoking. Whether you want to quit cold turkey or ease your way into it, having a specific date when you want to be done smoking will help you stay on track.
Keep a stopwatch handy when you quit. A craving might mentally feel like it lasts for hours, but in fact the physical feeling passes in less than three minutes. Keep a timer handy and set it for five minutes when you first feel the craving. Once these minutes pass, you know you’re in the clear.
Would nicotine replacement therapy work for you? Smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum or patches can help you stop smoking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Once your journey is a successful one, you can gradually wean yourself from the replacement therapy that you have chosen to use.
If you have a smartphone, download an app to help you track your quitting statistics. Many find it helpful to know how many cigarettes they have avoided or how much money they have saved by quitting, and being able to see this information during moments of weakness may provide the motivation you need to stay quit.
Make sure your friends know that you’ve decided to quit. For many people, smoking is a social activity, so you might be tempted to smoke if your friends light up in front of you. If you talk to your friends about your desire to quit, they can support you instead of unintentionally sabotaging your plan.
Make a plan to give yourself rewards when you are attempting to stop smoking. Not buying cigarettes will mean you have some extra money in your budget. If you save your money, you can buy yourself a present! This kind of benefit will keep you motivated.
Think of the health implications of quitting smoking. Once you stop, your blood pressure levels are reduced within 20 minutes. After 24 hours, the carbon monoxide levels in your body revert to normal. After about a month, the chance of having a heart attack or stroke decreases, and your lungs will start to function at a better level. All of this is the perfect reason to quit.
There is no situation so hopeless that you can’t find a way to beat it. Smoking can be one really tricky habit to break, but if you keep at it, persist in looking, researching and trying you will finally find your own solution. This article has tried to show you many different options available to you.
Read more: Become A Former Smoker With These Tips For Quitting