First you must make your own decision to stop smoking; if you do it just to please others, you will probably fail. Make a list of the reasons why you smoke. Next to it list the reasons you want to quit. Read both lists often. To ease your determination some really effective & “easy to apply” tips are given below. Incorporate them into your routine & live a healthy life after quitting smoking.
Jot down all the reasons for quitting smoking. Always keep them with you. Whenever your urge for smoking rises refer to them. Decide to stop completely rather than gradual withdrawal. Have a strong will towards a healthy life & try to kill your appeal for smoking. So it’s better to set a date & stick to your quitting mission. You can get great support from your family in quitting. Tell everybody about your resolution. A ‘team’ effort may prove easier than doing it alone. Try to get other people in surroundings & stop smoking at the same time. Say good bye to ashtrays, lighters, and all cigarettes you already have. Set your mind for few withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, discomfort, craving, and just feeling awful. Since your body has been habituated to the dosages of nicotine for its normal functioning, so these symptoms may whip you up for smoking. Stay determined as if the occurrence of symptoms is nothing for a strong person like you. These symptoms tend to hit you after 12-24 hours and then gradually ease over 2-4 weeks. Look forward to tough cough symptom. It has been found that “smokers cough’ gets worse when you stop smoking. This hard-hitting symptom tends to tempt you to restart smoking. Stand firm to this temptation! The cough usually gradually eases. Avoid every place or situation for the first few weeks that tempts you to smoke. Most commonly, drinking is associated with smoking. Try not to drink too much alcohol to stimulate your smoking desire. Stay away from pubs for a few weeks. Try to change your choices of coffee and tea with fresh juices and plenty of water. Mark off each successful day on a calendar. This will motivate you not to start all over again. You will feel the changes in you after a few days. You will smell better & enjoy your food more. Say with poise that you don’t smoke. Put the money in a piggy bank you used to spend on cigarettes whenever you have an urge again. See, how much money you can spend on treats rather than wasting on smoking. You may be doubtful about the increase in weight. Well, anticipate an increase in appetite, but avoid fatty or sugary foods as snacks. Take a crack at sugar-free gum and fruit instead. Don’t lose your heart if you fail. Be particular about the more difficult times when you couldn’t resist. Try to be stronger next time with a will to win. Seek the help of Stop Smoking Clinics when the need arises.
When you decide to stop, pick a date in the near future and plan for it. If possible, choose a time when you are faced with a change in routine, such as a holiday or a trip. Tell your family and your friends; They will reinforce your resolve. If you can, team up with another who’s quitting-sharing the experience helps. Talk to others who have stopped. Note the moments when you most want to smoke and be ready with a diversion.
When the date comes, stop carrying cigarettes, matches, or lighters. Hide all ashtrays. Carry nuts or other nutritious snacks to nibble on: stay away from candies. When you feel the urge to smoke, take a few deep breaths. Drink lots of water and fruit juices.
You will have moments of great anxiety. Endure them; they will pass. Keep active; exercise more. Read an engrossing book; engage in a hobby that keeps your hands busy.
If you backslide, don’t give up. Stop again immediately. Nicotine is addictive: a smoker must conquer the habit one day at a time. Don’t worry about not smoking ever again; focus on now.
Many have found help from such organizations as the American Lung Association, which has branches in every state, and from commercial smoke-ending programs, as well as from group therapy, hypnosis, yoga, acupuncture, and prescription drugs
