So you have finally decided it’s time to drop stop smoking? Congratulations. Quitting smoking is one of the best choices you can make for your health. Smoking affects you negatively in a variety of ways. The following article will give you some tips to help you make your decision to quit a lasting one.
If you wish to quit smoking cold turkey, get rid of all of the things in your house that remind you of smoking. This means, no more ash trays or cigarette lighters. If you hold onto this stuff, you’ll only be reminded of smoking and it might make you want to have a cigarette.
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 create a list of reasons why you are quitting. Keep it handy. This list will serve as a reminder of all the things that you are getting by quitting in the long run. Every time you feel the urge to smoke, try to take a good long look at your list and it will help you stick to your plan.
Prior to starting the smoking cessation process, it is important to be certain that you can stay motivated and committed. A lot of smokers have a hard time quitting because they are not approaching the issue with the right mindset and do not have enough motivation. The reasons you quit will be a great motivation for you to remain smoke-free.
As soon as you decide to quit smoking, tell all of your family and friends. Not only will this help you to build a good support group, but it will also encourage you to stick to your goal. You might even inspire one of your loved ones to quit with you.
Quit smoking to improve your smile. People who smoke often fall victim to yellow teeth, persistent bad breath, and even gum disease. In addition, smoking puts you at risk for mouth cancer. When you quit, your smile will have a chance to become whiter, and you’ll feel more like smiling because your body will be healthier.
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.
Commit to quitting. Individuals who are able to successfully quit smoking commit themselves fully. They don’t have a back up plan, they don’t keep quitting a secret, and they don’t tell themselves that they will fail. If you make this type of commitment you will significantly increase your chances of successfully meeting your goal.
Have alternate coping mechanisms in place to deal with the stress that you used handle by smoking before you attempt to quit. Avoid as many stressful situations as possible in the early stages of your attempt to quit. Soothing music, yoga and massage can help you deal with any stress you do encounter.
Create a reward system for yourself ahead of time. Treat yourself to something nice every time you reach your preset goals. These rewards can be tied to a given amount of time spent without smoking, whether a day or a month. Keep it in a place you visit often, like the refrigerator or bathroom mirror, so you can view it repeatedly. Rereading your list can help you stay motivated when you really feel like reaching for a cigarette.
Once you get to the point that you should be done smoking altogether, throw away any extra tobacco products. This reduces the temptation to have “just one more cigarette.” You should also get rid of any cigarette paraphernalia that could trigger cravings, including everything from a favorite lighter to ashtrays to your old butts.
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.
For most of us, quitting smoking is not easy. The addiction to nicotine is a powerful one and overcoming it takes much determination. Do not be discouraged if you are not successful the first time. The most important thing is that you continue on your path to quitting. Good luck!
