Quitting comes about through determination and a positive attitude, so try using the tips below to get started. Follow these tips, and you will see that quitting smoking is a lot easier than you imagined.
Break down the benefits of quitting smoking by creating a list of specific pros and cons. Putting something down in writing can alter your entire outlook. This can help to motivate you to stay on course, and might even make quitting easier because you are able to remain focused.
Make sure you take quitting one step at the time. Quitting can be a process. Just focus on today, just getting rid of the smoking habit in the short term.
Let your family and friends know if you want to quit smoking. When you let people know your plans, they will motivate you to stay committed. This might just be the push you need to stay on track with your quitting plan.
You may wish to join a support group when you decide 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. These types of people can be a great backbone that can help you quit, and get through this. Inquire at your local churches, colleges and universities, and YMCA to find out if they run support groups.
Make sure you get lots of rest when 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.Getting eight hours of rest each night will help to keep you mentally focused, it will also help your body to overcome nicotine withdrawal.
By telling yourself to wait 10 minutes, you will usually avoid the craving. If that is not the case, repeat this step as often as needed.
In the event that the urge to smoke melts your resolve, at least attempt to put it off as long as possible. Tell yourself you need to take a long walk before you could smoke, or try to drink a glass of water prior to smoking. Perhaps the extra few minutes spent occupying your mind with something else can prevent you from smoking. You may decide not to smoke it at all.
Your primary care physician can be a great resource if your are not able to stop smoking. There are medications, such as certain antidepressants, which will help to make quitting much easier.
Try changing your diet habit by eating more veggies in fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks when you are quitting smoking. This can help control your system and avoid unnecessary weight gain.
When quitting smoking, take each day as it comes. Don’t think about quitting forever; instead focus on today. A short timeline can help you stay on track instead of worrying about what is coming next. You can always set more long term goals once you feel comfortable with your level of commitment to quitting.
To avoid cracking under the pressure of cravings and nicotine withdrawal, try to deal with your stress in other ways. You may find that some effective alternatives include exercising, keeping a journal, or book massages on a regular schedule. When you do have some free time, surround yourself with pleasant distractions, chatting with a friend, or playing a game that is new to you.
Most people who try to quit will fail on the habit more than once. When you decide to quit smoking, try to refrain from smoking for as long as possible. If you do smoke again, set another date to quit. Just keep at it and try to extend the amount of time you quit, and continue to learn along your journey.
Your doctor can help you to quit when all other strategies fail. He can prescribe you a medication to help ease your anxiety, withdrawal symptoms and even irritability. Your doctor may also be able to provide information about support groups, hotlines, or other resources that can improve your chances of successfully quitting.
Smoking has probably been something you used as an aid to getting through stressful events.If you are a person who does this, it’s time to find alternative methods of relaxation and stress relief.
Exercising releases endorphins, natural high that is very effective at fighting nicotine cravings.Exercise also helps to compensate for your metabolism slowing down as you quit, reducing your potential weight gain.
Make sure you have a strong support group of friends and family members, when you decide to quit smoking. Make it clear that you need support but that it won’t help if they are judgmental. Initially, you may suffer from mood swings and cloudy judgement and the people around you should be aware of it. It is not simple to stop smoking, you should always develop a support system.
Smoking Cessation
Discuss smoking cessation drugs with your doctor. There have been many smoking cessation options. Ask your doctor what they’d recommend so you can quit.
If quitting smoking cold turkey is not an option, supplement your attempts with nicotine replacement products such as nicotine gum or patches. These medications, many of which are available over the counter, keep the level of nicotine in your system steady as you work on not smoking. They can prevent some of the uncomfortable physical symptoms associated with smoking cessation.
Counseling might help you in your mission to quit smoking. There may be an emotional reasons attached to your smoking habit. When this issue is dealt with, smoking urges tend to go away.
Create a mantra consisting of the most important reasons you have to stop smoking. Repeat them when you feel a craving come on, whenever you feel the urge to smoke. This can help you focus away from nicotine withdrawal symptoms and onto other critical things in your attention away from withdrawal and towards positivity.
Learn how nicotine replacement therapy can help. Nicotine withdrawal can lead you feeling restless, irritable, frustrated or depressed. The cravings can be overwhelming. You can try nicotine-replacement therapy if you are having nicotine withdrawal. Studies have shown that people who use some sort of nicotine replacement product are twice as likely to successfully quit smoking. Do not use the nicotine-replacement products if you are still smoking cigarettes.
Most people want to quit, but few are willing to put in the effort to do it. Those who successfully quit smoking usually have a step by step plan, and some good motivation and support to keep them going. The tips and advice you have read here can help you create your own plan, and finally kick that habit.