The decision to stop smoking can be one of the best choices that you can make for your health and your life. So it makes sense to put everything into it when you decide to quit to ensure success. Think of the things that motivate you, find a support system, and use tips like the ones in this article to create a plan that is sure to succeed.
If you want to quit smoking, the word for you is “No”. Every time you’re tempted you have to disallow yourself the ability to say “Yes” to a cigarette. If your only answer is “No” you’ll find that you can’t cave in to a craving. No cigarettes, no “Maybe”, leads to no smoking!
In the event that the urge to smoke melts your resolve, at least attempt to put it off as long as possible. To help you postpone your cigarette as long as possible, consider taking a walk or enjoying a some water before smoking. You may find that diverting your attention to something else will delay and ultimately overcome that desire to smoke. If you still decide to smoke that cigarette, the delay time might just mean that you smoke one less that day.
If you can afford to do so, try the new e-cigarettes. The “e” stands for electronic, and they are basically a nicotine-free cigarette that replicates the exact process of actually taking a smoke break. These “cigarettes” actually emit a mist that you inhale, but without the harmful side effects of nicotine.
Don’t Go Cold Turkey
Do not quit cold turkey. It can be tempting to throw out your cigarettes and say, “I quit!” But cold turkey is not the way you want to go. Studies show that over ninety percent of people who try to quit smoking with no medication or therapy end up relapsing. The reason for this is because nicotine is addictive and your brain craves it. Without it, nicotine withdrawal symptoms set in.
If the cigarettes you smoke after meals are some of the hardest to give up, replace the habit of smoking after eating with brushing your teeth or chewing minty gum. Slowly, you will break your old habit and build a much healthier association between finishing a meal and freshening your breath.
Once you get to the point that you should be done smoking altogether, throw away any extra tobacco products. This reduces the temptation to have “just one more cigarette.” You should also get rid of any cigarette paraphernalia that could trigger cravings, including everything from a favorite lighter to ashtrays to your old butts.
Quit smoking with a buddy. Having someone else with whom to commiserate and celebrate will make your success even sweeter. Choose a friend, relative, or co-worker who also wants to quit, or pair up with someone on an online support forum. Having someone by your side will make the process much easier to tolerate and will help you stay accountable.
Learn and use positive mantras. Tell yourself that you’re strong and powerful and that you can quit. Let yourself know that you believe in yourself and that you know you will be successful. When you make positive mantras such as these, a part of your life, success will follow. This is as true for quitting smoking as it is for every other aspect of your life.
You probably know a lot of the great benefits that your decision to smoking will bring. Keep those in mind to motivate you, and don’t forget to keep the tips from the above article in mind when you feel your resolve slipping, or when you have a craving to smoke. Take it one day at a time and you will soon be a non-smoker.
