Even though the risks of smoking are well-known, many people struggle to break their habit. If this applies to you, the information presented here can be of benefit. Choose and implement some of the tips that you think will help you the most.
You can motivate yourself to quit smoking by keeping the money you save in a jar so you can see it grow. Treat yourself with this money! Smoking is so expensive that you can likely save enough by quitting to take a vacation.
When you are feeling a moment of weakness, call someone in your support network. Whether it is a friend or a family member, reach out and share your feelings of temptation. The time you take to make the call will offer you a distraction, and it's also a great motivator knowing you have someone that you can confide and trust in.
When you decide to quit smoking, find a support group to help. It is beneficial to have a network of others who are where you are and can understand what you're going through. People who have been in your position can help guide you through the process. It is possible to find support groups at many places like churches, colleges, or rec centers.
If you are uncomfortable with the idea of using smoking cessation medication or nicotine patches, consider acupuncture. Acupuncture is the Oriental art of dealing with everyday issues using very fine needles placed at strategic parts of the body. This includes the ability to deal with cravings. This treatment sounds a bit painful, but in practice, most people don't find it particularly painful.
Allow yourself three attempts at quitting. Pick a day to quit the first time and just go cold turkey. Chances are only about five percent of success, but it is worth a try as cold turkey is the simplest (if not easiest) method. On your second attempt, try gradually reducing your smoking. If this does not work, prepare to take any necessary measures. Ask your doctor if there are medications you can take, or join a support group.
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. Feed your cravings with only the healthiest foods, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Instead of smoking a cigarette, get some exercise. Exercising releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and help you focus on something else than your cravings. Exercise will also help boost your metabolism to make up for the hit it takes when you quit smoking, reducing your potential weight gain.
When it's time to give up smoking, take care to stay away from the triggers that make you feel like having a cigarette. If you like to have a cigarette with coffee you can switch to tea, for example. Come up with something that can distract you at those times.
Hypnosis is an effective tool to use when you quit smoking. This non-traditional method of quitting has shown great success with many smokers. The hypnotist puts you into a trance, giving your mind positive affirmations which stay with you. This hypnosis will tell your brain that smoking is not appealing, helping you avoid the urge to smoke.
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.
Implementing several of the above tips can help you to make rapid progress with your goal to quit smoking. Tell yourself that you are strong enough to quit, and that you deserve it. Put yourself first, and realize that you deserve a healthier life without the risks and problems that smoking causes. Your reward will be increased health and a feeling of well being after you stop smoking cigarettes.
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