The potential for failure and lack of willpower are very common reasons that people give up on the idea of quitting smoking. In this article, the tips and information provided can assist you in taking those beginning steps to being free of your smoking habit.
Find a good support group to help you quit smoking. There is great benefit in networking with people who understand the physical and emotional challenges you are facing. These people can become your friends, and offer you a wealth of advice that might help you to stay on track. Support groups can be found at recreational centers, community colleges, or churches locally.
Try to get it through your mind that smoking is not the solution to any problem you may encounter, whether it is a flat tire or a family issue. Smoking has never solved a crisis, and it will certainly not begin to alleviate your woes. Remember this when you are on your way to quitting smoking.
Learn how to manage stress. One of the top reasons people smoke is because the nicotine can help them relax. Once you are able to quit, you are going to need to find another way to cope with your stress. You can get massages regularly, listen to relaxing music or learn tai chi or yoga. If you can, avoid situations that cause you a lot of stress while you are quitting and soon after.
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.
Be open about your intention to quit. Let your friends, family and coworkers know that you are going to do it and when your date is. Current smokers will likely be considerate enough to stop smoking around you at that time. You’ll also find out who is supportive and who is critical of your habit. Finding support and sources of encouragement might make a future quitting attempt successful, if this one is not the one.
Avoid emptying your ashtrays. If you see how many cigarettes you have smoked laying the the ashtray, you will be less likely to smoke any more. This will also leave the unsightly butts and their smell behind. This can be helpful because it will remind of you how bad the smell of smoke is.
Write down a journal of every time you have a cigarette and what your reasons were for having one. This journal will help you to find out what your smoking triggers are. For some it may be the first morning cigarette, or the need to smoke after a meal. For others, it may be stress. Determining your triggers will help you to figure out a way to fight them.
When cravings strike, remember that they almost always pass within 10 minutes, so do something to distract yourself. Walk to the water cooler, have a healthy snack, meditate, or call a supportive friend to keep your mind off your craving. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it’s over, and your delaying tactics can keep you from giving in.
Don’t use weight gain as an excuse to continue smoking. While it is true that some individuals gain weight when they quit, it doesn’t mean that you will. Make healthy eating choices when you’re feeling hungry because you aren’t smoking and the weight won’t pile on. Even if you do gain a few pounds, remember that it is much healthier than continuing to smoke.
Deciding to quit smoking might be a very difficult one, but it is an ultimately rewarding decision that you will never regret. However, it is not impossible. It will take a lot of patience, determination and time. It will also be helpful to learn all you can about it and using that advice to help you out. By using the information in this article along with some research of your own, you may be able to kick the habit much quicker and easier.
