If you’ve been smoking for a long time, you might be afraid that quitting is going to be close to impossible. Although it’s not usually easy to quit, most people can do so with determination, effort and knowledge of the best techniques. Read on for some information about ways to help you stop smoking.
Put aside the money you would have normally spent on cigarettes, and save it for something that you really want, like a new outfit, some nice furniture, or a weekend away. Not only will you be feeling healthier, but you’ll soon see how much money you can save now that you’re not smoking.
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.
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.
If you smoke as a way to control stress, you’ll want to have other stress remediation techniques ready when you decide to quit. Keep yourself out of situations that may stress you out for the first few weeks after you’ve quit. You can also manage your stress through yoga, meditation or by getting a massage.
Be cognizant of routine activities that trigger the desire to have a smoke. For some, it is the first cup of coffee in the morning. For others it may be the end of a meal, or socializing with smoking friends. Whatever your trigger may be, this is the time you must remind yourself that you are quitting because you care enough about yourself that you want to.
If you have very strong associations between smoking and drinking coffee or smoking while you’re drinking, you may need to avoid these triggers for a while. Once you feel comfortable enough in your ability to stay away from cigarettes, you can slowly bring back that morning cup of joe or happy hour with your friends.
Take the time to really sit down and think about how quitting smoking will improve your life. This is especially effective if you already have serious health conditions that smoking can exacerbate, like asthma or diabetes. If your family has a predisposition for cancer, then it can also be very powerful for you to acknowledge that quitting now could actually save your life.
Psychologically train yourself to handle any type of stressful situation that might come about. Many smokers are used to lighting up when something stressful happens. Having a plan in mind for how to handle those stressful moments makes it less likely that you will turn to cigarettes when stress strikes. Have a backup plan in case the first plan doesn’t work.
Choose the date that you will quit and write it on the calendar. After you’ve done this, tell your friends and family. Choosing your quit date makes your goal more specific and real so that you’re more likely to take action towards it. It’s harder to change your mind once you’ve made a commitment, and other people can help support you if they know about your quit date.
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but it is possible. The strategies you just read can help you to quit with a minimum of pain or frustration. Pick a couple of strategies and start working on kicking your smoking habit today. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of being smoke-free.
