Most smokers would like to quit but consider it difficult to near impossible to do so and their lack of willpower. The following free advice can help you take those first steps to be on your way to being smoke free.
When you’ve made the decision that smoking is no longer for you, seek out a support group for help. There is much strength and reassurance in a group of like-minded folks who are all pushing towards the same goal and dealing with the same challenges. They will offer invaluable support and guidance, as well as insider tips that can help you quit. Contact local community organizations such as community colleges, recreational centers and religious organizations to ask about support groups for ex-smokers.
These people can support you through the hardest times with guidance, and offer you a wealth of advice that might help you to stay on track. Support groups can be found at recreational centers, recreational center, so take some time to research what’s available to you.
Tell yourself you need to go for a walk first, or try to drink a glass of water prior to smoking. If you still decide to smoke that cigarette, at least you will have smoked one less cigarette that day.
If you are overwhelmed by the urge to smoke try using the delay tactic. By telling yourself that you’ll see how you feel in 10 minutes, and then distracting your mind and body during that time, you will normally find that 10 minutes later, the craving will have passed. If not, repeat this step as often as needed.
Let your family and friends in on the secret that you plan to quit smoking.When you entrust the people around you with this information, they will motivate you to stay committed. This could potentially be the push that you need to stay on track with your quitting plan.
Make a list of what methods you can use to help you stop smoking. Each person does things their goals differently. It’s vital that you find something that works good for you. Creating your own personal list does this.
A benefit of quitting smoking is so you can improve the health of all those near you. Secondhand smoke is dangerous, and a known cause of many types of cancer, and other serious health conditions. Your family members will spend less time exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke when you stop smoking. By stopping smoking, you will not only protect yourself, but you will also protect your loved ones.
Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress reliever. If you do not exercise normally, try to begin slow by taking walks once or twice daily. Speak to your physician before you start any kind of exercise routine.
In order to avoid experiencing cravings related to nicotine, discover healthier methods of dealing with this stress.You could try new hobbies, keeping a journal, or treating yourself to a spa visit whenever your cravings are at their peak. When you’ve got down time, try to surround yourself with some pleasant distractions like going out with friends, books and games, so you don’t think of smoking.
If your goal is to finally stop smoking, you need to practice your skills at quitting. Ask any former smoker you know; he or she probably didn’t succeed after just one attempt. Every time you try to quit, make it a goal to go longer without a cigarette than the last time you tried. If you do start up again, immediately pick a new “quit” date. Each time, make sure to extend the period between cigarettes an additional week. Eventually, you will quit that final time and never go back.
Secondhand smoke can lead to many grave health of anyone around you who come into constant contact with it.By quitting smoking, you not only improve your own health, you are helping the people around you as well. Quitting will improve the health of yourself and those you love healthier.
If you are an indoor smoker, be sure to clean your home thoroughly, once you have quit. Wash and paint your walls, including: carpeting, and launder your window treatments, too. This will make your house smell clean and fresh, and the absence of the smell of the cigarettes will help you avoid being reminded of the habit that has plagued your life anytime you enter your home.
Always keep in mind your motivation. This could mean placing motivational messages on office walls, or even wearing bracelets that remind you of your intentions. Either way, you may find this visual reminder handy in the face of temptation and craving later.
Post the list where it will catch your eye often. This can motivate you strength during moments of weakness.
Keep your motivation to quit smoking in your mind and vision all the time. This may mean pinning motivational messages on your office wall, or by wearing bracelets to symbolize your intentions.
Remember the initial week will surely be the hardest when you stop smoking. In the first two days you’ll be expelling the toxins that smoking put into your body. Once the first couple of days have passed, cravings are generally psychological in nature. It is still difficult, but they will be much less menacing.
Quitting is a hard decision to make. However, find encouragement in the fact that many people have succeeded in making this very important change. You do need to put in the time, have patience and exercise some willpower. It will also be helpful to learn all you can about it and using that advice to help you out. The aforementioned techniques will guide you on your path to a smoke-free life.