Many think quitting is easily accomplished by tossing the cigarettes away and willing yourself to stop. There's nothing wrong with using willpower to help you stop smoking. However, quitting doesn't require superhuman strength--you can have an easier time quitting than you may think. The variety of products and techniques to help you stop smoking are almost endless.
Make a list of the benefits of quitting and the drawbacks to deciding to quit. This helps increase the odds of successfully and permanently kicking your smoking habit. Writing something down can change your whole mental outlook. It will help you stay motivated and focused on success, possibly making quitting a little easier.
Deal with nicotine withdrawal. Once you quit smoking, nicotine withdrawal can make you anxious, frustrated, or depressed. It's all too easy to revert to your old habit. Nicotine replacement therapy can really help to relieve these symptoms. Whether it's in the form of gum, a patch, or a lozenge, using one of these will probably double your chances of succeeding.
In the event that the urge to smoke melts your resolve, at least attempt to put it off as long as possible. Whatever you can do to delay smoking will help, so take a walk, drink some water or lie down. This break between the craving and its fulfillment may enable to not smoke that cigarette after all. If, even after the delay, you still have a cigarette, you will at least have taken up some time, meaning you will smoke less that day.
Remember that smoking cessation is really all about replacing one behavior with another. For most people, it is primarily the physical act of smoking that is the major draw. It signifies "me time" and a break from a hectic schedule or a boring job. Choose ahead of time exactly what behavior you will replace those smoking minutes with, and then do it!
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.
Though aversion therapies have gotten a bad rap recently, they do sometimes work in helping you to stop smoking. They do not need to be extravagant methods and you don't need to pay a therapist to employ aversion techniques. Try the simple things, such as permeating your favorite sweater with the smoke from that last cigarette you smoke. Then reach for it after not smoking for a day or two; you will be appalled at the offensive odor that you have been subjecting yourself and others to on a daily basis.
Nicotine replacement therapy is a great option. The effects of nicotine withdrawal may make you feel irritable, depressed or restless. A lot of the cravings are quite overwhelming. You can help with the cravings by using nicotine replacement therapy. Studies have shown that people who use nicotine replacement therapy double their chance of success. But, you should never use these nicotine replacements while you are still smoking.
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.
If you want to quit smoking, stop buying cigarettes. It kind of goes without saying that if you don't have cigarettes on you, it will be much more difficult to smoke. Throw away any cigarettes that are currently in your possession and make a pact with yourself not to buy any more.
As an added incentive to help you give up your smoking habit, think of your family and friends whose life would be turned upside-down if your life was shortened by this dangerous habit. One out of every five American deaths is related to smoking in some way, according to many statistics. You don't want to be another statistic.
When you are trying to quit smoking, do not attempt to do it overnight. Nicotine addiction is powerful, and it is going to take you some time to wean yourself off of it. You are much more likely to relapse if you quit cold turkey, so take it slow and get it right the first time.
Don't turn back to smoking during a family crisis. Sometimes the most difficult times in our lives, turn into the easiest times to take a bad habit back up. While you might be tempted to do so, try to stay focused on all the reasons that you quit. Talk to a friend or family member about what you're going through or even seek counseling if you need to. Whatever you do, don't reach for that cigarette.
If the fear of gaining weight is the only thing holding you back from quitting, you should know that gaining weight is not inevitable. Many former smokers never gain any weight when they quit. That said, gaining a few pounds is still far healthier than continuing to smoke. With a bit of exercise and mindful snacking, this fear should play no part in keeping you from quitting.
Check with your health department, local clinics, or doctor's office for information about local support groups for those who want to quit smoking. Talking to others who are quitting can provide valuable coping tips, support, and motivation. This may prove especially helpful if your friends and family are not supportive of your desire to quit.
It is possible to quit smoking. It isn't easy, but there are many ways to curb the cravings. You may experience a setback or two, but the key is to keep trying. Use the tips here and do not get frustrated even if you fail at first. It often takes people many tries before they finally succeed.
Orignal From: How To Quit Smoking For Good This Time
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