These days, everyone knows smoking is unhealthy, but it’s still extremely tough to quit. You may need a bit of help if you want to give up smoking. The following tips will help make it easier to stop smoking.
You need to make your smoking cessation as easy as you can. Quitting cold turkey may not be successful. Statistically, people who try cold turkey fail 95% of the time. Try strategies such as medication, therapy or a patch. This will ease you through the early withdrawal stages and make quitting less difficult.
When the urge to smoke becomes overwhelming, try using a delay tactic. Tell yourself that you will wait 10 minutes and then find a way to distract yourself for that time period. Usually, after the 10 minutes have passed, any craving will have gone away. If you still feel the urge, repeat the process! Tell yourself you’ll wait five to ten minutes before smoking.
If smoking a cigarette is something you cannot avoid, at least try and stall for time before lighting up. Take a long walk or watch a television program to get your mind off smoking. Sometimes a simple distraction is all it takes to help you weather a strong craving. Should you still give in to the craving, forcing yourself to wait the extra time may wind up taking one cigarette off your daily total.
You can start working out, so that you can avoid weight gain when quitting smoking, and to keep your mind off the cigarettes. Movement of any kind is also an effective tool for stress relief. You should start off slowly if you have not exercised in quite some time. Going for a short walk is a great example of a beginner exercise. Always go to your physician before you start exercising.
You need to have an effective backup plan to help you though the rough spots. Never forget what keeps you motivated the most, and you’ll have the best chance to succeed in following through. Don’t forget the tips you’ve read here, and you’ll be on the path to kicking this addiction forever.
