Everyone now understands the health risks resulting from smoking, but it is still very difficult to stop smoking. If you have been attempting to give up smoking, perhaps a push in the right course is all you need. The tips here could provide some help and ideas can make it easier for you to stop smoking.
Be easy when you quit smoking. Don’t try quitting outright without a coping plan in place. If you try quitting cold turkey, you may end up relapsing. Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance, so nicotine replacement therapy methods may help you wean yourself. This will help you to get through the early stages of withdrawal, and will make it easier to quit smoking.
Tell yourself you need to go for a walk first, or even just finish a large glass of water before you smoke. If you still decide to smoke that cigarette, the delay could cause you to smoke one less cigarette that day.
Make sure you take the process one step at a time. Quitting smoking is a process. Just go through it one day at a time, as quitting now will help you in the future.
When you feel an urge to smoke and can’t resist, at least put it off till later. A simple glass of water first, or putting your smoke off until after you take a walk, can be very effective ways to delay your craving. This will help you to reduce your temptations and shift your focus elsewhere. If you desire to smoke a cigarette, the delay could cause you to smoke one less cigarette that day.
If you don’t think you can quit all at once, make use of nicotine gums or skin patches.
For example, when you haven’t smoked for a week, treat yourself to a movie. Once you’ve passed that month long milestone, go out to dinner at a new restaurant. Continue creating rewards to work towards until you forget about the urge to smoke.
Treat smoking cessation like kicking any other addiction: as a series of days of sobriety. The road to stopping is just a process. Do not think about the future. Focus on the present moment and tackle each day as it comes. All of those smoke-free days will soon add up to a smoke-free future.
Cut back before you smoke. This can begin the process of a smoke-free life. Try waiting at least one hour before having your first morning cigarette. Another alternative is to smoke only half of a cigarette to help you cut back gradually.
If you are an indoor smoker, give it a complete scrub-down, so it doesn’t smell of smoke. Wash and launder everything in your house, shampoo or replace your carpet, drapery and curtains, too. This will make your home smell clean, and keep you from smelling smoke each time you walk through the door.
Your primary care physician can be a great resource if your are not able to quit smoking by yourself. There are medications, such as antidepressants, which will help to make quitting much easier. He can also give you information about local support groups, online resources or medical professionals who can help you through it.
Post this rewards list in a noticeable place where it will catch your eye often. This might just help give you motivated during moments of weakness.
You need to find ways to have your determination and motivation in sight at all times. This could mean placing motivational messages on office walls, or donning a bracelet to signify your intentions.
As part of your attempt to stop smoking, you will want to discuss it with your physician. Your doctor could have quitting resources you might not have in your possession. Additionally, your doctor might feel that you would benefit from using a prescription drug therapy method to help you quit.
Eliminating a smoking habit entirely can often be a difficult task but with a little advice, that task might become a bit easier. Apply the above advice to your own quitting efforts to see more solid results. Use this advice you’ve read here to improve the health of you and your loved ones.