The majority of smokers are well aware of the associated risks, but most clearly ignore them. Yet, it is a lot easier said than done and all of those people that want to quit wind up sticking with the habit. If you want to learn what it takes to quit for good, then this article is for you.
Write down the reasons why you want to quit smoking. Post the list someplace where you’ll see it every day, to help keep you motivated. Include not only the reasons that directly benefit you, but also the reasons that quitting will benefit your friends and family. Being able to read your list every day will remind you of why you stopped smoking in the first place.
Try to drink a lot of fruit juice as you begin quitting. The fruit juice will help cleanse your body of all the nicotine that is stored in your system. This will help you better resist cravings that you are bound to get if you do not do this sort of cleanse.
One of the hardest things to deal with when quitting smoking is the oral fixation. Once you give up cigarettes, consider carrying sugar-free candies, cough drops or coffee stirrers around to keep your mouth busy and keep you mind off of cigarettes. There are also devices made to help you quit smoking that will also help keep you mouth busy.
When quitting smoking, you must learn to manage your stress. Once smoking is no longer an option, turn to healthier outlets such as massage therapy, long walks in your favorite park, listening to relaxing music, or meditation. Find something you can do that provides near-instant gratification so that you’ll be less tempted to turn to smoking when things get tough.
When you are trying to quit smoking, sometimes you have to change other habits which trigger your desire for a puff. Instead of that cup of coffee or that alcoholic drink, have a glass of juice or water. Many people still have an urge to have a smoke after finishing a meal. After a meal, take a walk. Not only will it help take your mind off having a smoke, it will also help keep off the weight that is commonly associated with giving up smoking.
Make a list of healthy things you can do to relieve stress, anxiety or frustration. For many people, smoking is a way to relieve stress. Your list can help you find a better, healthier way of coping with negative feelings so that you won’t be as tempted to smoke when you’re having a bad day.
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.
Increasing the amount of exercise you do can help you quit smoking. Exercise not only distracts you from smoking, but it also helps to reverse all the damage you have done to your body over the years by smoking cigarettes. Start slowly if you have to, and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do each day.
When you are trying to quit smoking, use the method that works best for you. Some people have more success by quitting gradually, while others do better by quitting cold turkey. Try one method, and if it does not work for you, switch to the other method to see if it gives you better results.
Throw or give away all of your cigarettes or other tobacco products. If you don’t have easy access to tobacco, you won’t be tempted to have one last cigarette or to return to smoking when you feel stressed. In addition, if you decide to smoke, you’ll have to put extra effort into getting tobacco and might change your mind by the time you can get it.
When you have made up your mind that you want to quit smoking, it is important to get some support from others. Let your family, friends, and co-workers know that you are planning on giving up your smoking habit and ask for their support and encouragement. Who knows, some of them may have been successful with breaking the habit and can offer some great advice. With their help and encouragement, it can help you get through the tough days.
As this article stated, it is possible to quit smoking. All you need to do is apply yourself as best you can. You must stick to your plans and stay determined. Make an honest effort using the advice you’ve read here, and you might just quit smoking for good.
