Stop Smoking Once and For All
Even with the many negative effects of smoking, most people will find it very difficult to discontinue the habit. If this applies to you, use these tips to help in breaking free from tobacco. Choose and use the ones that seem like they will help you the most.
Make a list of the benefits of quitting and the drawbacks to deciding to quit. This helps increase the odds of successfully and permanently kicking your smoking habit. Writing it down can affect your mental outlook. Your efforts will be easier this way because you will be focused on your goal.
A support group can help you follow up on your decision to stop smoking. There is much strength and reassurance in a group of like-minded folks who are all pushing towards the same goal and dealing with the same challenges. Having a support system can be invaluable. Inquire at your local churches, colleges and universities, and YMCA to find out if they run support groups.
You should consider hypnosis if you need help quitting smoking. Seeing a licensed hypnotist can be effective and has proven successful for many people. The hypnotist will supply you with positive reinforcement while you are in a deep trance. These affirmations will be in your subconscious, which will aid you on your way to quitting smoking.
If you feel that you need to smoke a cigarette, first try to delay that action. Try telling yourself you can have a smoke after you take a walk, or after you drink a big glass of water. Sometimes, these delaying tactics provide enough time for the craving to pass before you ever light up. If you do end up smoking a cigarette, at least you will have smoked one less cigarette that day.
Hypnosis might be something you should try if you desire to quit smoking. A licensed hypnotist will provide you with tools which can’t be found elsewhere. They’ll place you into a hypnotic subconscious state which allows them to fill your mind with positivity and motivation. These affirmations will be in your subconscious, which will aid you on your way to quitting smoking.
If you’re trying to stop smoking, let your friends and family know. Sharing your plans with those around you may mean that you can depend on them to boost your motivation or distract you when cravings strike. This may give you more of a push to keep trying to quit.
Each new day is one step in the process of eliminating smoking from your life. Quitting smoking is a long process. Don’t worry about what will next year or next month. Take each day as it comes and concentrate on not smoking that day, which will help establish a habit that will help you over the long term.
There is a certain amount of weight gain that is often the result of stopping smoking, and eating fruits and vegetables instead of sweets is one way to help avoid this. This will assist with keeping weight gain away. Keep in mind that your body will be going through withdraws, so it is going to be craving foods like crazy.
Loved Ones
Your loved ones will almost certainly support your desire to kick a bad habit and get moving with a healthier lifestyle. It’s critical, however, that they understand that you want positive support, not reproach. Tell them that you’ll probably be irrational and in a depressed mood first. It’s not easy to quit smoking, and you should be sure you have your loved ones’ support during this process.
Sleep is a necessity if you are going to try to quit smoking. Not getting adequate sleep can sometimes lead to cravings. You are more likely to be alone late at night and could sneak a cigarette while no one else is with you. Eight hours of sleep each night will allow you to remain mentally focused, which keeps you in better control of nasty cravings.
In order to avoid experiencing cravings related to nicotine, look for healthier methods on how to deal with stress. This could translate to making appointments for activities, like the gym or spa, during the hours when your nicotine cravings are at their peak. When you do have some free time, occupy yourself with lighthearted distractions such as reading, chatting with a friend, or playing a game that is new to you.
If you want to stop smoking, you need to be okay with quitting more than once. Many individuals who have successfully quit did not succeed the first time they tried. When you quit smoking, try to refrain from smoking for as long as possible. If you do start up again, immediately pick a new “quit” date. Each time you quit, learn from your previous mistakes, and make the quit last longer. Eventually, you will quit for good and never light another cigarette again.
Ideally, you should remove yourself from any situation that would otherwise incite you to start smoking. If you drank your morning coffee and had a cigarette, switch your routine. For example, drink your coffee on your way to work and staying away from bars will reduce your cravings.
Utilize the delay tactic whenever you feel that you absolutely must have a smoke. By telling yourself to wait 10 minutes, you can find you can manage the craving for that short amount of time. If that is not the case, repeat that step as many times as necessary.
When quitting smoking, keep in mind that the process will be most difficult during the first week. In the first two days, your body will be releasing all the stored nicotine in your body. Once your body sheds the nicotine, the hard part will be mental addiction. It’s just as hard to fight, but there are many techniques which will help you to achieve success.
This advice will give you a solid foundation on which you can begin to eliminate cigarettes from your daily life. You deserve a life that is free of the negative effects of smoking. Give yourself a chance to free yourself from this addictive habit. You will reward yourself with a healthier, longer life, not to mention the money you will save when you give up smoking.