With all the stress and pressure related to today’s lifestyles, it can be extremely difficult to stop smoking. You do not have to remain chained to smoking for the rest of your life; using these tips and techniques you can be a non-smoker once more.
When you have made the decision to stop smoking, try seeking out help from a support group. It could be beneficial to talk to ex-smokers who have experienced the same things you are going through, and understand the physical and emotional challenges that you are going through. This support group can give you the benefit of their experience, what works well to make quitting easier. There may be a support group for people who are trying to quit in your community. Look at places such as community colleges or churches.
Many ex-smokers have found that hypnosis works when quitting smoking. Each year, thousands of people utilize the services of licensed hypnotic therapists for help with their smoking addiction. When you are under hypnosis, the hypnotist will fill your mind with positive thoughts about giving up smoking. When you come out of the trance, cigarettes could be less appealing, which means you are that much closer to quitting for good.
Start exercising. Not only will it help you get into shape, it can help you stay busy and avoid cigarettes. Exercise will help you in stress relief as well. If exercising wasn’t already a regular part of your life, then start with an occasional walk. Ask your doctor in advance of beginning any exercise routine.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement products are a great tool for quitting smoking. When you withdraw from nicotine, you may feel restless, depressed, irritable or frustrated. Cravings can be difficult to ignore. Consider nicotine replacement therapy. Studies have shown that people who use nicotine replacement therapy double their chance of success. Don’t use these products if you are still smoking, though.
Quitting a smoking habit is hard enough, but dealing with your smoking triggers will help you out immensely. For instance, if you always smoke when you are talking on the phone, than you need to find something else to do with your hands, or go to a different room to talk so that you do not think about lighting a cigarette. Choose another activity instead of smoking while engaging in these activities. This will distract you from cigarette cravings.
If you are considering quitting, have a frank discussion with a doctor. Your doctor may have resources for quitting that you may not have. Your doctor will also be able to write you a prescription for medication to help you quit smoking, if he or she feels that it is necessary.
You will be more successful if you do not attempt to shoulder the entire burden of smoking cessation. Get some support from your loved ones. Inform them of the reasons why you’re attempting to quit, and let them assist you. Also, try to reach out to a support group for advice and counseling. Sometimes being able to talk to someone who is experiencing the same situations that you are will help keep you going.
When you quit smoking, you’ll need a healthy way to cope with the stress associated with the nicotine withdrawal. Try the gym. Consider developing a new hobby. What about getting a massage? Try to avoid idle time, and instead, find pleasant distractions. Reading, crafting or visiting friends all work well.
Loved Ones
Stop smoking now, not only for yourself, but for any loved ones that you have. People exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk for developing a number of different cancers and other conditions. The sooner you stop smoking, the sooner your loved ones will be free from the risks associated with inhaling secondhand smoke while they’re in your presence. Not only will you be healthier when you stop smoking, but your loved ones will also be healthier, too.
One of the best things you can do to help yourself quit is to not falter if you have a relapse in judgement. Most former smokers had to try more than once before succeeding at kicking their nicotine habits. Instead of expecting perfection from yourself, just quit for as long as possible. If you backslide and give in to a cigarette, set another date to quit. Try to last longer each time, and try to learn from your mistakes each time one arises. Finally, you’ll have the success you desire when you quit for the final time and never smoke again.
Create ideas for how to manage moments that are stressful. Most people who smoke will light up when they’re stressed out. If you make a plan on the things you will do, you will most likely succeed in quitting smoking. Come up with several alternatives for stress relief so that you can try different things if the first thing on your list doesn’t eliminate the desire to smoke.
If you are about to give up smoking, you need to be aware that the first seven days after you quit will be the toughest. In the first two days, your body will release toxins, specifically nicotine, which might give you some unpleasant feelings. Once 48 hours have passed, your craving for nicotine will usually just be psychological. It will still be difficult, but the craving will get less as time passes.
You should feel better about quitting after reviewing this article. You also want to help promote the steps it takes to quit smoking for anyone that can benefit from this kind of knowledge, as well, so do that you and everyone can gain.