What if you could end your relationship with tobacco forever? How much of a difference would it make if you could quit smoking, right now? Everyone of us has the power within to quit; it just takes a little bit of guidance and perseverance. Read on for some tips that can show you the way to a smoke-free life.
If you smoke as a way to control stress, you’ll want to have other stress remediation techniques ready when you decide to quit. Keep yourself out of situations that may stress you out for the first few weeks after you’ve quit. You can also manage your stress through yoga, meditation or by getting a massage.
Try eating healthy to combat any weight gain from quitting smoking. A sensible diet will help prevent any weight gain you might otherwise experience. It is normal for your body to crave food during the quitting process, and the best way to silent your cravings and stabilize your mood is to eat healthy snacks.
Take the money that you would usually throw away on your cigarettes and spend it on yourself on something that you really want. This is sort of like a reward for your hard work. Treat yourself to an expensive coat, a nice jacket or even that pair of shoes that you have been eying.
Start by cutting back on your smoking. Taking gradual steps is a great way to help achieve your long-term goals of quitting. Try waiting an hour or so before having your first cigarette of the day. Another alternative is to smoke only part of a cigarette each smoking session.
When trying to quit smoking, set a goal. Tell yourself that you want to quit by a certain date and that if you are successful, you will reward yourself with something you have been wanting. You can use the money you saved by not smoking to buy this treat! This will give you the motivation you need.
It can be easier to quit smoking if you are able to articulate exactly why you want to quit. Try writing down a list of all of the reasons that you should quit smoking. This can include the benefits you will experience, people in your life, or any reasons at all that are important to you.
Enlist your friends and family to support you with your decision to stop smoking. Those closest to you can be a real help in keeping you on track and smoke-free. Inform everyone of your intentions to quit smoking before your quit date, and let them know specifically how they can be of best help to you.
Start moving. Physical activity is a great for reducing nicotine cravings and can ease some of the withdrawal symptoms. When you crave a cigarette, go for a jog instead. Even mild exercise can be helpful, like pulling the weeds in the garden or taking a leisurely stroll. Plus, the extra activity will burn extra calories and help ward off any weight gain as you are quitting smoking.
Master stress management. Aside from nicotine withdrawal and simple habit, a primary reason you might start smoking again is stress. If you can’t avoid all stress during the first few weeks after quitting, do whatever it takes to manage your stress in another way than having a cigarette. Get a massage or try a yoga class. Find something new and healthy to replace what you’re giving up.
To stay true to your plan to quit smoking, make up motivational note cards to read whenever you get a craving. Keep these cards on your fridge, in your car, in your purse or wallet and even in a drawer at work. Any time a craving strikes, read and repeat the message on the card like a mantra to refocus your efforts.
Choose a date to quit and stick to it. Make a big deal out of this date. Write it down on your calendar, even consider having some sort of ceremony to mark the date for yourself. You need to instill this date in your head — the importance of it — so you can use it as a driver to stay on task for the long run.
To keep yourself motivated, you should think about how your declining health could affect your family. There are statistics which state that as many as one in five American deaths are related to smoking. Do you really want to be another statistic?
If you can do away with things that remind you of smoking, it will be easier to resist temptation. You can start by throwing out any lighters, matches or ashtrays. Make sure you wash all of your clothes and clean your house thoroughly in order to take away the smoke smell. Doing this will prevent items that remind you of smoking from triggering your craving for a cigarette.
After being addicted to smoking for so long, it can be difficult to break the habit. Being aware of your personal weaknesses and your motivators for quitting can be helpful. By following the tips given here, you will be headed in the direction of a healthy and smoke-free life.
