You know you want to. But do you REALLY want to? Smoking can be a tricky thing to really break up with. You know it’s bad for you and you know that you should, but until you make that decision that it’s really time, you won’t be successful. So make up your mind, read this article and make it happen.
To aid in smoking cessation, remove yourself from your circle of friends who smoke. Don’t worry; this is just a temporary measure, but you really do need to do this. Constant exposure to cigarette smoke, plus the social aspect of smoking together, will automatically squash your hopes for success.
If you absolutely must have a cigarette, using stalling tactics. Tell yourself that you have to take a walk before you can smoke, or even just finish a large glass of water before you smoke. This break between the craving and its fulfillment may enable to not smoke that cigarette after all. If you still decide to smoke that cigarette, the delay time might just mean that you smoke one less that day.
Remember that smoking cessation is really all about replacing one behavior with another. For most people, it is primarily the physical act of smoking that is the major draw. It signifies “me time” and a break from a hectic schedule or a boring job. Choose ahead of time exactly what behavior you will replace those smoking minutes with, and then do it!
Talk to your doctor about prescription medicines. If you want to ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms, consider prescription medications. There are certain medications that affect the chemical balance in your brain and can help reduce cravings. There are also drugs that can reduce bothersome withdrawal symptoms, like inability to concentrate or depression.
Many people find the electronic cigarettes a great way to quit smoking. They do not have as many of the negative effects of normal cigarettes and can be a good way to taper off your smoking from your normal levels to a lesser point, until you are no longer smoking at all.
Have a friend or family member quit who smokes quit at the same time as you. Just like other things in life, such as losing weight, quitting is easier when someone else knows where you are coming from. The two of you can share tips or just vent to each other.
Do not give up. Relapsing is very common. Many smokers have to try several times before they are successful in putting down the cigarettes. Look at what circumstances and emotions lead to the relapse. Once you decide you are ready to try again, set a date to quit in the very near future.
When trying to quit smoking, set a goal. Tell yourself that you want to quit by a certain date and that if you are successful, you will reward yourself with something you have been wanting. You can use the money you saved by not smoking to buy this treat! This will give you the motivation you need.
Make a list of healthy things you can do to relieve stress, anxiety or frustration. For many people, smoking is a way to relieve stress. Your list can help you find a better, healthier way of coping with negative feelings so that you won’t be as tempted to smoke when you’re having a bad day.
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.
Don’t give up if you slip up. Anytime someone tries to give something up that they have been doing for years, there will likely be a struggle. When that struggle exists, slip ups often happen. If you do slip up, get right back on track and try again. The worst thing you can do is turn a slip up into an excuse to keep smoking, so don’t do it.
Plan ahead for how you will handle stressful events that might arise. Your smoking life was filled with reacting to stress by lighting a cigarette. Have some good alternatives ready so that you can avoid the urge to light up. Make sure you also have a backup plan, on the chance that the first one does not help.
Clean your house and car when you quit smoking. Don’t spend time in any environment where you look at the surroundings and equate them with smoking. Dispose of butts and ashtrays and clean anything with the smell of cigarettes. Your fresh environment should reflect a healthier, cleaner you, and some rigorous housecleaning might just let you power through a craving.
Work out whenever possible. Once you stop smoking, it will be easier to exercise since your lung capacity will improve right away. Maintaining a regular schedule of activities helps guard against troublesome weight gain. While exercising, endorphins are produced, which can help cope with the symptoms of withdrawal.
Avoid carrying your cigarettes around with you. This makes them harder to get to and you will be able to cut back on smoking by doing this. When they are an inconvenience to get to, you won’t smoke them as often. This will eventually help you quit smoking for good.
You may want to think about getting acupuncture done to quit smoking. This method involves the acupuncturist using small needles and inserting them into the pressure points in your body that control your urge to smoke. Some acupuncturists even accept insurance, as long as quitting will help a pre-existing medical condition.
Now that you’ve decided it’s really time to get rid of this habit, you can use the information you just read here to make your attempts successful. You may not make it the first time, but if you keep on trying, one of these tips will be just what you needed.
Read more: The Best Ways To Quit Smoking For Good