You may want to quit smoking, but have absolutely no idea where to begin. Perhaps you have been smoking so long that imaging a life without cigarettes is difficult. You can put your fears to rest and know that a life without smoking is possible for you. Simply follow the advice in the following article to start on your way.
To aid in smoking cessation, remove yourself from your circle of friends who smoke. Don’t worry; this is just a temporary measure, but you really do need to do this. Constant exposure to cigarette smoke, plus the social aspect of smoking together, will automatically squash your hopes for success.
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.
To quit smoking for good, you’ll get better results by gradually weaning yourself than you would if you tried to quit cold turkey. Nearly all people that try to quit cold turkey fail as a result of nicotine withdrawal. Cut back slowly and steadily, and if the cravings are still too powerful then subsidize your efforts with medication or other tools.
Try to avoid alcohol if you’re trying to quit smoking. Alcohol and cigarettes are naturally complimentary to each other. In addition, alcohol lowers your mental focus, meaning you are more likely to give in to temptation or peer pressure. If you avoid alcohol, you’re more likely to stay clear of mind. This might just mean that quitting becomes a bit easier.
See your doctor and ask him to recommend a stop smoking program or medication. Only five percent of people who attempt to stop cold turkey, with no help, succeed in their attempt to quit smoking. You need help to overcome the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that accompany any attempt to quit.
Remember that false starts are common when people try to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried and failed to quit before, you should always keep trying. Ultimately, any reduction in your smoking habit is good for you, so as long as you are trying to quit you are improving your life and health.
Make sure to tell your family and friends you have decided to quit smoking. They are there for you and they will help remind you that you need to quit. Having a support system is the best way to quit. Getting help from other people makes you more likely to succeed.
To effectively quit smoking, have a plan mapped out. Take some time to prepare yourself by writing down the steps you will take to quit, who you will call for support, and what you will do if you should slip up. Putting these things in writing makes them concrete, and it is much like making a contract with yourself. This can have a very powerful affect on your mindset, helping you to stay focused on your journey toward quitting.
Don’t allow yourself “just one puff”. The mind can sometimes play tricks on you, especially when you’re trying to give up a habit that you have had for years. Don’t allow yourself to give in to the idea that just one cigarette won’t hurt. It will hurt, and it might just keep you from being able to quit at all.
Reduce the amount of cigarettes you have each day until you reach zero. Unless there is a health reason for you to stop smoking immediately, quitting tobacco is easier when you do it gradually. Cut back on cigarettes first and quitting will be less of a shock to your body.
Find out specifics on how quitting smoking will improve your health. There are many statistics out there about how dramatically different your odds of contracting diseases are if you don’t smoke. Find out too how soon you can expect to experience other small perks like improved breathing and sense of taste.
Getting rid of things that remind you of smoking can assist you with quitting. Throw out lighters and ashtrays. Make sure you wash all of your clothes and clean your house thoroughly in order to take away the smoke smell. Doing these things will make it less likely that you will be reminded about smoking and wind up with a cigarette craving.
Have a conversation with your doctor that includes a discussion of medications that can assist in quitting. The science of smoking cessation has come a long way. From nicotine replacement therapies, to medications that help your body overcome withdrawals, there are a multitude of available options. Your doctor’s recommendations will be a huge help!
While quitting smoking is difficult, it is well within your reach with the help of knowledge and determination. The fact is that quitting smoking will provide you immeasurable benefits, so it would behoove you to stop this habit as soon as possible. Using the above advice, create a quit plan and commit to it today!
