You Can Do It! Quit Smoking Today With These Proven Techniques
Everyone who smokes knows that they need to quit. When you’re standing in a smoking area, no one comments on how healthy the smoke makes them feel. Non-smokers don’t understand what quitting entails; however, ex-smokers do. Keep reading to find out why you should quit and how you can do it successfully.
When a cigarette craving strikes, try to implement delays. Tell yourself to wait five or ten minutes when you feel the urge to smoke. It’s possible that when five to ten minutes rolls around, the urge will have passed. If the craving hasn’t passed, then repeat the first step again.
Obtain the support of your loved ones in helping you quit smoking. You need to let them know that you want their support, not their judgment. Remind them that you may have times of frustration and irritability and ask them to bear with you. Quitting is one of the most difficult things a smoker may have to go through in their life and gaining the support of your loved ones is imperative to your success.
Nicotine Replacement
Consider using a nicotine replacement-type of therapy. The effects of nicotine withdrawal may make you feel irritable, depressed or restless. Nicotine cravings may at time be overwhelming. Nicotine replacement therapies may help you overcome these cravings while reducing the amount of nicotine in your body. Research has shown those using nicotine patches, gum or lozenges have twice the chance of successfully quitting. However, do not use those products if you are still smoking.
Be sure that you are willing to stick with your plan to quit smoking. By having a positive outlook, you are more likely to succeed. You can stay committed by thinking of all the reasons that you wanted to quit in the first place.
One of the benefits of quitting smoking is improving the health of your family. Secondhand smoke can affect the health of anyone around you who come into constant contact with it. If you stop smoking, you are removing secondhand smoke from your loved ones lives. By stopping smoking, you will not only protect yourself, but you will also protect your loved ones.
If you can’t quit right now, change cigarette brands. Start using a brand you dislike or a cigarette you find distasteful. Smoke them as you would your normal brand and inhale them the same. You will enjoy smoking less. This is the first step to quitting.
If you smoke in your home, give it a very thorough cleaning when you quit. Clean your house and wash your furniture, so it doesn’t smell like smoke. This will make it so you aren’t reminded of smoking each time you come into your home, because it will have a clean, fresh smell.
Develop a system of daily reminders about why you want to quit as well as motivational messages to help you. Put motivational post-it notes in obvious places, and consider wearing something that reminds you of your desire to quit. This can curb your temptations, which are the primary culprits for smoking cigarettes.
Instead of thinking that you “must” quit, think about wanting to quit. You will find it easier to achieve positive results, if you view the choice in that light. Think about how your life is going to improve, and how failing to quit will affect your health long-term. This will keep your motivation up while giving real reason to stop now.
Is smoking more attractive to you in times of stress? If this situation sounds familiar, you will be wise to actively seek another outlet. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing techniques are all a great way to help relieve stress and stay smoke-free.
Ask your doctor for their advice on any prescriptions which could help you to quit. New innovations for giving up smoking appear regularly. There are a lot of options available to you when you decide to stop smoking, from gum to patches to doctor-prescribed medication to help with the withdrawals. Talk with your doctor and ask what he or she recommends.
Whenever you feel that you’re losing your resolve and are going to give in to the craving to smoke, make a phone call to someone in your support group. It could be a family member, friend or colleague, anyone that you can count on to listen to how you are feeling. Spending time on the phone will distract you while the craving passes, and it is good to know you have support in your battle with nicotine.
Non-smokers simply can’t understand why you might still want to smoke when the all the health costs are calculated. Those who are not addicted to nicotine will also never realize how hard it is to give up. It is possible to stop smoking, as evidenced by the tips and advice that you read earlier. Use quitters’ experience and insight to free yourself of this unhealthy habit.