Some believe that quitting smoking is merely a matter of disposing of all tobacco products and exerting strong willpower when cravings strike. While such tactics may actually help, it doesn’t really need to be that hard. There are a number of techniques and aids you can use that will assist you successfully stop smoking.
When you have finally chosen to quit smoking, think about joining a support group. It can be helpful to discuss your problems with ex-smokers who have had the same challenges as you. These people can become your friends, and offer you a wealth of advice that might help you to stay on track. You can find groups for support at local churches, recreational centers or community colleges.
These people can offer tips, guidance, and great tips to help you quit. Support groups can be found in many places, even on the Internet, or community college.
Tell yourself that you have to take a walk before you can smoke, or maybe that you need to drink a glass of water first. If you do end up giving in anyway, the delay may at least reduce your smoking for that day.
If you find it difficult to stop smoking by yourself, speak with a medical professional. Prescription medication may make quitting smoking easier to handle. They are not for everybody, so this discussion should also include your detailed medical history. Your doctor probably can also offer information about hot-lines, support groups and other resources that will increase the likelihood that you will be able to quit.
Hypnosis has proven to be an effective tool to use when you quit smoking. Many people have found success with a licensed hypnotist. The hypnotist can entrance you into a deep trance and then give you positive affirmations that stay embedded in your mind. When you awake, you may find that cigarettes have somewhat lost their appeal, making your goal more attainable.
Make sure you take quitting one day at the time.Quitting smoking is a process. Take each day as it comes and concentrate on not smoking that day, your efforts to quit will gather into a smoke free future.
Another motive for quitting is that it will benefit your family, as well as yourself. Secondhand smoke can be harmful to those in your household. Quitting will mean that you’re sparing your whole family from a lifetime of maladies. Quitting will not only improve your own health, but it can help your loved ones to become healthier, as well.
Make sure that you get an ample amount of rest if you are quitting smoking. For many, staying up late during the night gives them increased cigarette cravings. You are more likely to be alone late at night and could sneak a smoke since nobody is around to catch you during these hours.If you get a full nights sleep, you’ll be far more likely to stop smoking for good.
By telling yourself to wait 10 minutes, you will usually avoid the craving. If not, keep repeating this as you need to.
Set up an incentive plan for yourself. When you reach one of your goals, reward yourself. Note some goodies that you will let yourself have when you have quit smoking for a month, a week or just a day. Take the time to put the list in a very visible spot and view it daily. Seeing your future rewards may give you that extra bit of motivation you need when you are feeling weak.
Try changing your diet habit by eating healthy to combat any weight gain from quitting smoking. This will help balance out your system and avoid unnecessary weight at this crucial time.
For example, if you go a whole week with no smoking, go to a movie. Once you reach a month without smoking, enjoy a fancy night out at your favorite restaurant. Continue creating rewards to work towards until you forget about the urge to smoke.
Quitting smoking is done not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones. The people who care about you want you to have a long, healthy life. Studies have shown one in five people that die in the U.S. have to do with smoking. Do not become a number!
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke can cause cancer and other major health of anyone around you who come into constant contact with it. Once you quit for your own health, then your loved ones will no longer be exposed to the dangers secondhand smoke brings with it. Quitting smoking provides benefits to you and those you love healthier.
You may have smoked when stressed. If this situation sounds familiar, you will be wise to actively seek another outlet. Meditation or yoga are healthier alternatives you should look into.
Plan in advance how you are going to successfully deal with stress. Many smokers get used to smoking when they feel stressed. Keep a list of several distractions that you can use in case plan A doesn’t work.
Stay clear of places or things that you would be tempted to smoke.
If you feel your cravings are becoming too much, call a loved one for support. Whether it’s a family member or friend, talk to someone to ease your cravings. The time spent during the phone conversation will help distract you while the craving passes, and knowing that you aren’t alone will help you deal with the issue.
The first week is always the absolute hardest. The initial 48 hours is when the body rids itself completely of all the nicotine it has held onto. After that, you just have to deal with psychological reasons for wanting to smoke. While still difficult, having this knowledge in the back of your mind might make it easier to cope.
When you want to quite smoking, approach it as a positive thing you are doing for yourself rather than something you need to endure. Keep in mind how beneficial it is going to be to your health and quality of life, and remember that the pros are much greater than the cons. This can give you on track and help with motivation.
Make sure you get your family and friends on board to support your efforts to purge cigrrettes from your life. Let everyone know that you have decided to quit. They can provide you with the support and encouragement that can make you successful. Try going to a support group, or go to behavioral therapy so you can quit.
After looking at the tips above, you now have ideas to help you stop smoking and enjoy life more. Despite the fact that you might be craving a smoke years and years after you have quit, the tips of this article should make quitting a little bit easier and increase your chances of success at it.