There are a lot of people that desire to stop their smoking habits. Smoking is a deadly habit that catches up to everyone who does it eventually. Read through the various tips in this article and determine which ones may apply to your unique struggle with this nefarious habit.
Joining a good support group can help you quit smoking. It is beneficial to have a network of others who are where you are and can understand what you’re going through. People who have been in your position can help guide you through the process. It is possible to find support groups at many places like churches, colleges, or rec centers.
If you want to give in to a craving, put it off as long as possible. Set tasks that you commit to performing prior to that cigarette, including small things such as going on a walk or making a fruit juice smoothie. You may find that delaying your next cigarette a little bit will reduce your cravings. If you do go ahead and smoke, the delay may at least reduce your smoking for that day.
Each new day is one step in the process of eliminating smoking from your life. Kicking your habit for good is not an overnight thing; it is a long-term process. You can’t worry about the future. Focus on getting through this day. From time-to-time, also remind yourself that if you can get through today, getting through tomorrow will be that much easier.
As with other addictions, approach each day without a cigarette as a small victory. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to focus on quitting forever; just quit for today. If you take things in a shorter time frame, it is often easier to cope with the stress. As your physical needs for nicotine diminish, you can set longer term goals to match your commitment and comfort level.
If you suddenly get the urge to smoke, try to delay your smoking. By telling yourself to wait 10 minutes, you can find you can manage the craving for that short amount of time. Otherwise, allow yourself another ten minute delay.
Your doctor may be able to help you stop smoking if you can’t do it by yourself. There are prescription medications, including certain antidepressants, that can make the process of quitting more tolerable. Your doctor can also steer you to support groups, programs and other resources to help you.
If you’re unable to quit cold turkey, use nicotine patches or gum. These medications, many of which are available over the counter, keep the level of nicotine in your system steady as you work on not smoking. They can prevent some of the uncomfortable physical symptoms associated with smoking cessation.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
You may want to try nicotine replacement therapy. The main stumbling block to quitting cigarettes is your body’s addiction to the drug nicotine. This is what causes most of the cravings. Additionally, the cravings can cause extreme discomfort during the day. Using nicotine replacement therapy will help to relieve these symptoms of withdrawal. Research has shown that people who make use of nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches can have twice the chances of quitting smoking successfully. Avoid nicotine replacements like lozenges or gum if you’re still smoking.
Smoking has very strong associations with some activities, and avoiding these situations can help you stop smoking. For instance, if your triggers include smoking while driving, the end of a meal or driving, try to find alternatives to the cigarette to replace them. Find something else to distract you during those times.
Talk to you doctor if you want to stop smoking. Your doctor may have resources for quitting that you may not have. If the situation requires it, your doctor may prescribe you medication to quit smoking.
Tell everyone you know the great news – you’re quitting! They will push you to continue with your quitting journey. The most effective way to quit is by having people around who support you. You will find that your confidence in succeeding is increased, and your goals are attainable.
Smoking cessation is one of the few times in your life that it’s best to be a quitter! Most ex-smokers you know probably didn’t find success their first time. Stop smoking, and have the mindset that you will stop for as long as possible. If you do succumb to smoking again, you must immediately set a new quit date. Each time, make sure to extend the period between cigarettes an additional week. Each time you attempt to quit smoking, you will develop new tactics which will eventually enable you to quit completely.
With any luck, you now think differently on what is involved to quit smoking permanently after reading the above article. Just keep in mind that you need to be strong and put your emphasis on being healthy for yourself and for the people you love. Use the tips here to finally help you quit.
