Tips for quitting smoking.
Addiction to nicotine is extremely strong. Thus, giving up smoking is a challenging effort and in a many cases, it is not successful, since the addiction  involves physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Statistics show that the latest are the most difficult for people to cope with, while quitting smoking. Although every individual is different, some general tips are given below, taken from the experience of many attempts on behalf of other smokers to give up. Most people, who have achieved to quit smoking, admit they had at least one unsuccessful try in the past. They agree that the only reason that made them to fail was the lack of adequate determination and confidence. The purpose of the following tips is to ease the physical but, mainly, the psychological symptoms due to the abstinence from nicotine. However, these tips may be proved useless, without your firm decision to give up smoking.
 Set a specific date of quitting smoking. Things are easier, when you start your effort being on holidays, when you are relaxed and away from stressful daily routine.
Ask for support from your environment. Family and friends can be great allies. If you think you need it, seek professional psychological support, as well.
Speak to your doctor. If you are a heavy smoker, perhaps you will need an appropriate medication, before and during the first stages of your try to give up.
Make a list of the reasons why you want to give up smoking and remember to include all the financial and health benefits.
Choose and purchase any helpful means, such as herbal preparations or nicotine replacement courses, you believe are more suitable for you. This is very important. Statistics have shown quitting smoking aids can increase your chances up to 90% to achieve your goal.
Do not try do give up gradually by smoking less and less each day, because it simply does not work. On the contrary, get rid of any tobacco products you have at home, in the car or at work.
Keep your hands and mouth busy. For instance, chewing free sugar gum or holding a small bunch of useless keys can prevent mouth dryness and hand nervousness respectively.
Try to control increasing appetite by drinking water and eating low-calories foods, such as vegetables on a regular basis. Otherwise, it is quite likely for you to gain significant weight within a few months.
Find new interests and alter your daily routine as much as possible. For instance, doing aerobic exercise three times a week is a good idea, providing you have checked that with your doctor. Exercise can be beneficial in two ways, since it reduces cravings and keeps you fit.
If possible or necessary, ask to be excused and do not socialize with smokers for the first couple of weeks.
Abstain from eating spicy foods and from drinking alcohol, tea or coffee beverages for a few weeks, after giving up smoking. Prefer drinking fruit juices or soda water instead. This may be important, because in many smokers alcohol and certain flavors are related to tobacco use.
Be prepared to encounter cravings, nervousness and other withdrawal symptoms and get armed with persistence and patience. In other words, get stubborn for sake of your life and you will not regret for that. |
