Smoking is a habit that some people pick up for a little while but they stick with it for years and years and never learn how to quit. Some people just get caught up with smoking and now they’re wasting a lot of money and time doing it. If you want to learn how to quit then the tips in this article are for you.
To keep your hands and mouth busy while trying to quit smoking, keep crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery on hand. These low-calorie snacks will not only keep your hands busy, but they will steady your blood sugar and keep you from reaching for higher-calorie foods that could lead to weight gain.
Try to create a list of reasons why you are quitting. Keep it handy. This list will serve as a reminder of all the things that you are getting by quitting in the long run. Every time you feel the urge to smoke, try to take a good long look at your list and it will help you stick to your plan.
Keep a cold glass or bottle of ice water nearby at all times. When you get a craving for a cigarette, take a sip of water–even if this means you hardly put the bottle down at first. This gives you something to do with your hands and mouth, and it can be a useful way to prevent snacking, too.
It is important to realize that although cold turkey may work for one person, it may not work for you. People think that they can quit smoking on their own and only end up going back because they tried too much, too fast. You may require an aid for quitting, such as a nicotine patch.
Find another way to relax. Nicotine is a relaxant, so you need to find a substitute to lessen your stress. A massage or yoga is a really great way of relaxing, or you could try a warm bath, or listening to your favorite music. Whenever possible, try to stay away from anything stressful during the initial couple of weeks when you stop smoking.
When you are trying to quit smoking, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water. Not only is water good for you, but it also fulfills the need to have something in your mouth. Also, large amounts of water help to clear out nicotine and other chemicals in your body caused by cigarettes.
Be open about your intention to quit. Let your friends, family and coworkers know that you are going to do it and when your date is. Current smokers will likely be considerate enough to stop smoking around you at that time. You’ll also find out who is supportive and who is critical of your habit. Finding support and sources of encouragement might make a future quitting attempt successful, if this one is not the one.
If you have a friend or loved one who is having a hard time trying to quit, then you should try sharing with them some of the painful truths about smoking. Try to be sincere and understanding as you relate this information so that they understand that you are trying to help them and that you are not trying to attack them.
Try and exercise when you can. Exercising can make quitting smoking much more attractive when you notice the immediate improvement of lung capacity. It can also help to avoid putting on pounds thanks to a slower metabolic rate. Exercise produces endorphins, which do not replace nicotine highs, but do ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Now that you have a lot of knowledge on how to quit smoking you should have a different perspective on what it takes to quit. So go ahead and use the tips from this article to help you save time, money and your lungs from smoking for the rest of your life.
