There are a lot of positive things that come out of the decision to quit smoking. Remember the positive reasons you are quitting, and use the suggestions you are about to read to assist you in your efforts. Keep these tips in mind and use them when needed to give you the extra help you need to become a proud non-smoker.
Avoid triggers you associate with smoking when you are trying to quit. Many people find that they have an association between driving and smoking, for example. In that case, you need to think of ways in advance to change your driving behavior so you're not constantly tempted while in the car. Find a distraction to keep you occupied.
If you have an oral fixation associated with your smoking habit, find new ways to occupy your mouth. Many people that try to stop smoking carry around hard candy or chewing gum with them. Then there are other people who use electronic cigarettes to help themselves.
If you are thinking about kicking your cigarette habit, create a detailed list of things that will motivate you to stick with it. If you are tempted to start again, get the list out and read it to motivate yourself to stay strong.
When you stop smoking, start by changing brands. Switch to a lighter cigarette or a cigarette whose taste you don't enjoy. Don´t smoke more than normal or in a different way. You will be less likely to smoke if you don't enjoy it as much.
Be sure that you follow a regular diet. Don't start a diet when you are already trying to quit smoking. You should instead follow a balanced and healthy diet. Smokers suffer from a distorted sense of taste, so healthy items such as fresh produce and low-fat dairy will not taste great. Including fresh produce and low fat dairy will give you the energy you need and make you less inclined to smoke.
It is very important to know what challenges may arise as you make your decision to quit smoking. Of the people who resume smoking after having quit, many do so within a matter of months. Are you often tempted to smoke when stressed? Know what triggers your desire for a cigarette so that you can be extra careful during those times.
Try doing breathing exercises when you crave a cigarette. You will want to inhale deeply through your nose while counting to ten. Pause a moment, then release the breath through your mouth, counting to ten again. This breathing exercise will reduce stress from cravings and allow you to focus your attention on something else. An additional benefit to doing this is that you will become increasingly aware of how your body can breathe easier with each passing day free of cigarettes.
If you can't do away with a craving altogether, try to at least hold out against it for as long as possible. Tell yourself you need to take a long walk before you could smoke, or try to drink a glass of water prior to smoking. This will help you to reduce your temptations and shift your focus elsewhere. Delaying can help to reduce the amount that you smoke, which can make a significant difference during the year.
Do not get discouraged if you fail to quit the first time you try. Even the hardest working quitters can fail. Be honest with yourself about why you failed this time, and be ready to combat that weakness next time. You may triumph the next time.
It can be a tough emotional challenge to quit smoking. Craving a cigarette is tough and it's easy to succumb to temptation. One way to help overcome cravings is to keep a journal. In this journal you should write down what was happening when the craving occurred, and how you effectively dealt with the craving.
Likely you already know that smoking is bad for you. While knowing why you want to quit is a great start, knowing how is far more important, so remember the tips you've read here to help you succeed. Apply the tips when you need some extra motivation or when you are hit with a craving. You can enjoy these non-smoker benefits in no time.
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