Your family would be really pleased if you to stop smoking. Your doctor has also advised you to do the same. Your insurance company dangles a discount in front of you if you stop smoking. The time is now, so keep reading for tips to help you quit smoking.
Find a support group if you need additional support after quitting smoking. Support groups can help you learn how to cope with the physical and emotional challenges you may experience while quitting. People like this can give you important tips, support, and even guidance. Inquire at your local churches, colleges and universities, and YMCA to find out if they run support groups.
Writing it down can change your mental outlook. This can help you to focus your quitting efforts more clearly, and may make quitting easier.
Make a list of what methods you quit. Each person has a unique way to taking care of things done. It is important to understand what works for you find a formula that is manageable and comfortable. Creating your own list does just that.
Proceed gently on a day-by-day basis as you work to quit smoking. Instead of thinking about stopping forever, think about taking it one day at a time. A short timeline can help you stay on track instead of worrying about what is coming next. After you feel like you have been successful with your short term commitment, you can try to set goals for long term compliance.
If quitting smoking cold turkey is not an option, then get some extra help via products like nicotine patches or gum.
Replacement Therapy
Have loved ones support your decision to quit smoking. It is important that you let them know you need their support and that you do not need them to be judgmental. Tell them that you’ll probably be irrational and in a depressed mood first. Kicking the smoking habit may be the most difficult thing you have ever done, and the support of friends and family is critical.
You might want to think about trying nicotine replacements. When you withdraw from nicotine, you may feel restless, irritable, and even depressed. The cravings can overwhelm you. You may find that nicotine replacement therapy will help alleviate these feelings by using nicotine-replacement therapy. It is very dangerous to smoke while using these products; therefore, though.
For example, when you haven’t smoked for a week, go to a movie. After a month, reserve a spot at a restaurant that you rarely get to enjoy. Continue creating rewards to the point you forget about smoking any more.
As you meet your short-term goals for smoking cessation, reward yourself! For instance, once a week has gone by without a cigarette, go to a movie. When you make it a whole month without smoking, dine out at a restaurant you really enjoy. Continue working towards these smaller goals until you find you can go without smoking indefinitely.
Cut back before you smoke. This can be an effective way to begin the idea of quitting altogether. Try waiting at least one hour after waking before having your first cigarette of the day. You can smoke just one half of a cigarette rather than a time to cut back on your smoking.
If you smoke inside your living area, be sure to clean your home thoroughly, once you have quit. Wash and paint your walls, shampoo or replace your carpet, and launder your window treatments, walls and any other type of surface coverings. This will make your home smell clean, your fresh smelling house won’t remind you of smoking.
Stay away from trigger activities or symptoms in which you would normally smoke. If you had morning coffee and a cigarette or went to happy hour and smoked, change your routine. Having coffee in your car, or staying out of smoky bars, can replace your craving.
Now you are well equipped with information that will enable you to stop this unwanted habit for good. If you quit you will feel much happier, and you can even extend your lifespan. Use the money you are saving to treat yourself and your family to something special.