LIKE learning to play an instrument or ride a bicycle, giving up tobacco is rarely accomplished the first time you try. So if you are determined to quit, you should be prepared to make repeated attempts until you are successful.
Helpful quit smoking tips
Do not view a relapse as a defeat. Think of it as a learning experience, a small setback in what can be a successful program. Here are some suggestions that have worked for others. They may work well for you too. Because you can Quit Smoking if you want!
#1 - Prepare Your Mind to Quit
First, you must convince yourself that quitting is worth the effort. List your reasons for wanting to quit, including all the benefits. After you have quit, review this list, that will strengthen your resolve. Write down & review these helpful quit smoking tips often.
#2 - Analyze Your Habits
Analyze your smoking habits to figure out when and why you smoke. You may find it helpful to record on paper when and where you smoke each cigarette during a typical day. This will help you to foresee situations that may tempt you to smoke after you do quit. Re-read your list of helpful quit smoking tips.
#3 - Plan a Quit Date - on a calender
Choose a quit date, and mark it boldly on your calendar. It is best to choose a day when you will not be under undue outside stress. When that day arrives, quit completely, abruptly and totally.
Before the quit date arrives, get rid of ashtrays, matches, and lighters. Clean all your clothes that smell of tobacco smoke. If you need it Here's help.
#4 - What about support?
Enlist the support of family, co-workers, and friends, to encourage you in your efforts to quit. Do not be afraid to ask others not to smoke in your presence. These are the ones you care about - and they care about you. Let them help you quit for good.
#5 - Be active on your quit day
Plan activities for your quit day. Go somewhere where smoking is not permitted, such as to a museum or a theater. You could also exercise--swim or take a bicycle ride or a long walk. This is one of the most helpful quit smoking tips.
Dealing with Withdrawal
If you are a heavy smoker, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms, which begin within hours of smoking the last cigarette. These may include irritability, impatience, hostility, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, increased appetite, and a craving for cigarettes. Perhaps your doctor can prescribe medication that will help ease these symptoms. In addition, there are things you can do to help you win the battle.
#6 - Started off good, but now it's kind of tough...
During the first few difficult weeks, eat low-calorie foods, and drink plenty of water. Some have found it helpful to snack on raw vegetables, such as carrots or celery. If you exercise, you will help offset weight gain and soothe jittery nerves. Bicycling, brisk walking, or jogging works for many people.
#7 - Avoid situations where you will be tempted to smoke.
Again, frequent places where you cannot smoke. Fight against any reasoning that may tempt you to smoke. Here are some common thoughts during withdrawal: 'I'll smoke just today to get me through this tough time.' 'Smoking is my only vice!' 'Tobacco can't be all that bad; some heavy smokers live to be over 90.' 'I've got to die of something.' 'Life is no fun without tobacco.'
#8 - If you are about to give in, delay. By waiting just ten minutes, the acute craving may pass. Sometimes the thought of never smoking again might seem overwhelming. If you feel that way, concentrate on quitting just for today.
#9 - Don't expect a Miracle
The first three months are the most difficult, but even after that you should, when possible, avoid smokers and situations that may tempt you to smoke.
#10 - Don't fool yourself into thinking that you can be an occasional smoker. This almost never works.
Even if you have stopped smoking for a year or more.Resist the temptation to have "just one cigarette." Just one may easily lead to others, and soon you will have undone all the hard work you put into quitting. However, if you do weaken and have a cigarette, there is no reason to smoke another. If you relapse, quit again.
Finally, keep remembering this:
Millions of smokers have successfully quit. With determination and persistence, you can too! You can Quit Smoking Right Now!
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