The task of quitting smoking can break the will of even the most determined person. Even if you really want to quit, something can always draw you back if you’re not prepared. Take some insights from this article to heart and use them to make the psychological and physical break from that cigarette habit.
When you feel the urge for a cigarette, set a certain amount of time that you will make yourself wait. Try telling yourself you can have a smoke after you take a walk, or after you drink a big glass of water. Sometimes, delaying smoking can help you resist smoking. You may decide not to smoke it at all.
Proceed gently on a day-by-day basis as you work to quit smoking. Don’t think about quitting for the rest of your life — just think about today. If you take things in a shorter time frame, it is often easier to cope with the stress. After you feel like you have been successful with your short term commitment, you can try to set goals for long term compliance.
Improve your chances of successfully quitting by sharing your plan to quit with supportive loved ones and friends. The encouragement you receive can provide extra motivation during rough patches, and telling people about quitting will help you stay more accountable. Have a few people on stand-by whom you can call for distraction whenever you get a craving.
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.
In order to quit smoking, find something else you can hold in your hand and put in your mouth. Many smokers find it hard to quit because they have an urge to have a cigarette in their hands and mouth. Rather than a cigarette, you can hold onto a straw.
Perform deep breathing exercises for around three to five minutes every single day in order to help you relax when trying to quit smoking. Always breathe in through the nose, hold this for several seconds, and exhale slowly through the mouth. This method is extremely effective for eliminating smoking from your life.
If you smoke at home, do a thorough cleaning of your living space, once you decide to quit. Wash your walls, drapes and curtains and shampoo the carpet and upholstery. This will help your home to feel clean and fresh, and keep you from smelling smoke each time you walk through the door.
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.
The decision to quit smoking entails a massive lifestyle change, so be sure you are ready for the commitment before you plunge into it. You should take time to sit down and create a dedicated plan to quitting smoking. This plan should entail account for your unique situation and triggers as well.
Don’t let the difficulties of quitting discourage you from even trying. You can use your confidence and determination to stop smoking, so start your quest off with these tips today. You might just surprise yourself by what you are capable of when you really put your mind to it!
