You may want to quit smoking but have absolutely no idea where to begin. Perhaps you have been smoking so long that imagining a life without cigarettes is difficult. You can put your fears to rest and know that a life without smoking is possible for you. Simply follow the advice in the following article to start on your way.
If you’re trying to quit smoking, try chewing gum instead. Often, when you try to leave a bad habit behind, you must replace it with a more positive one. Chewing gum allows you to use your mouth and jaw in the same ways as smoking. It is a healthy way to keep yourself busy while you’re working toward quitting.
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 why 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.
Starting an exercise regimen is a great way to support yourself when you’re trying to quit smoking. Under the advice of a doctor, ease yourself into the regimen, especially if you’ve been a heavy smoker for many years. The exercise will help you not only repair some of the damage smoking has done to your body but is also a great stress reliever as well.
Try nicotine replacement products that are offered. Nicotine withdrawal is very trying and can exacerbate feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. You can be overwhelmed with cravings. You can try nicotine replacement therapy if you are having nicotine withdrawal. Studies show that nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches can increase people’s success when quitting. However, never use these types of products if you still smoke.
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.
To stay motivated to quit cigarettes for good, use the money you save to reward yourself. Figure out how much money you will save by quitting in advance and put the money you would spend on cigarettes into a special place. Every time you reach a minor goal, use that money to reward yourself with something nice.
If you quit smoking and slip up, do not beat yourself up or assume that you’ll never succeed. Many former smokers quit and relapse several times before it finally sticks for good. Pay close attention to what may have triggered a relapse, learn from the experience, and give it another shot promptly.
To clarify why it is so important for you to quit, ask the people you love to tell you how they think smoking has affected you. Just be prepared to hear unpleasant comments about how your car or clothes smell or more emotional confessions like how your kids worry about your health.
Clean your house and car when you quit smoking. Don’t spend time in any environment where you look at the surroundings and equate them with smoking. Dispose of butts and ashtrays and clean anything with the smell of cigarettes. Your fresh environment should reflect a healthier, cleaner you, and some rigorous housecleaning might just let you power through a craving.
Avoid situations where you may be strongly tempted to smoke, especially places where alcohol is served. If you find yourself at a party, or bar, or similar place, it may be very tough to keep your determination not to smoke. If you drink alcohol, which lowers inhibitions, it will be much more difficult as well.
One way to make it easier to quit smoking is by finding a substitute for cigarettes that you can hold in your mouth or hand. This way, you can gradually replace your cigarettes with something else. A drinking straw can work, or a piece of candy or a pretzel can serve as an effective substitute.
If you are trying to quit smoking, it is vital that you have a goal in mind. You will only be successful if you have proper motivation to quit. There will be times when it is very difficult to resist the temptation to smoke. Remembering the reason, you wanted to quit in the first place can carry you through those tough times.
While quitting smoking is difficult, it is well within your reach with the help of knowledge and determination. The fact is that quitting smoking will provide you immeasurable benefits, so it would behoove you to stop this habit as soon as possible. Using the above advice, create a quit plan and commit to it today!