Too many people become discouraged and abandon their attempts to quit smoking. Quitting comes about through determination and a positive attitude, along with some helpful tips such as the ones down below. Put these tips into action, and you will find that quitting is easier than you thought.
Don't become discouraged if you fail. Even the people who are most prepared to quit have a really difficult time succeeding at first. Identify where you went wrong so you can learn from that moment for next time. With forethought, you can eventually triumph over smoking!
In order to prevent giving in to your nicotine withdrawal symptoms, discover healthier methods of dealing with this stress. You may find that some effective alternatives include exercising, keeping a journal, or treating yourself to a spa visit whenever your cravings are at their peak. Fill your downtime with enjoyable, lighthearted distractions - the latest novel, date night or a cultural outing.
Thinking in a positive way and being motivated are key parts in quitting smoking. Try to imagine how fulfilled your life will become when you finally quit. Think about how much better you and your home will smell once you've made the change to stopping smoking. While it is good to know the many negative impacts of smoking, for many people, remembering the positive benefits of quitting can be even more helpful.
Get a workout in. Once you have quit smoking, your lung capacity will start to improve and you will begin to find exercising easier. Regular exercise will also ensure that you stave off any potential weight gain. Furthermore, exercise causes your body to produce endorphins, which can give you a natural high. Although the high won't be as good as a nicotine high, it will help you to cope with cigarette withdrawal.
Consider switching brands when you first think about quitting smoking. Consider smoking a brand you don't like. Avoid smoking more of them than you normally would or inhaling them in different ways. You will be less likely to smoke if you don't enjoy it as much.
If you fail your first time quitting, try not to become discouraged. Most people do fail on their first attempt but use it as a learning experience for your next time. Figure out the causes of your caving in, learn from it and then try quitting again. You may find that you conquer an almost identical situation with the right coping mechanisms in the future.
You should not try to quit smoking for the sake of others. Even though you may love these people, chances are you will only stop smoking when you are ready to do it yourself. It's the best thing you can do for yourself.
When planning your quit, do not forget to factor in rewards for the important milestones you will reach. Write a list of gifts to give yourself for reaching every milestone. For motivational reasons, make sure you have your reward chart somewhere it is easily seen by you. This motivation will be helpful when you're feeling temptation.
When the temptation to smoke overwhelms you, using stalling tactics to make yourself wait. Tell yourself how you'll feel in about 10 minutes and distract yourself. You should see the craving pass within the 10 minutes. If the craving hasn't passed, then repeat the first step again.
It can help to reward yourself for each day or week you go without smoking. Try something new, eat some good food, buy a new item of clothes, take in a movie or live show, or buy some new CD you have always wanted. Not only will these help you to forget about smoking, but they are fun as well.
Don't think of quitting smoking as giving up something. Think of it as gaining something. It is easier change your behavior by thinking of the rewards. A positive approach is more effective than a negative one. Try to keep in mind the many benefits you will experience if you quit, and how much value it would add to your life. This will reinforce your commitment and keep you focused on your reasons for quitting.
Try to delay your next cigarette. 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. This break between the craving and its fulfillment may enable to not smoke that cigarette after all. Even if you eventually relent, this method can help you to cut back considerably.
Do not make any exceptions to your new non-smoking rule. When you are tempted, a single cigarette might not seem to matter, but it can set you way back after all your hard work. Understand that even one cigarette can ruin your quitting plans.
The health of your loved ones depends on you to quit smoking. Secondhand smoke can cause cancer and other major health complications. Quitting reduces your family's exposure to secondhand smoke, so they will be less likely to get seriously ill if you quit. When you quit, you will be improving not only your own health, but also the health of the people who live with you.
One of the ways that can help you quit smoking is to change to a different brand of cigarettes. Go with a cigarette that does not taste very good. Avoid smoking more of them than you normally would or inhaling them in different ways. You will be less likely to smoke if you don't enjoy it as much.
Quitting smoking is not just a physical challenge, but it's an emotional one, as well. Cravings are real and they aren't always easy to resist. Try keeping a journal and writing down all of your cravings. Be specific by including the time, how it really felt, what activity you were participating in, and how you dealt with it. This can help you to become aware of your triggers, meaning that you will have a better chance of taking control of them.
It's not unusual for you to find yourself missing cigarettes even years after you successfully quit. Don't relent for even a single smoke, though. Think about all that you went through to quit, and imagine having to do it all over again.
You need to fight through the challenging moments as you attempt to quit smoking. Keep a list of your strongest motivations and refer to it often. Follow the tips above to help you quit today
