Quit Smoking
Stop Smoking
Three million Americans quit smoking permanently every year. You can, too! If you have tried and failed in the past you can still quit. Choosing the right method, keeping a positive attitude, you'll see you can kick the habit and win. You can be successful quitting "cold turkey," or slowly decrease the number of cigarettes per day until you quit. Choose the method that best suits you--and your lifestyle. The following tips will pave the way for a new, smoke-free you!
Get Ready
Pick a date for quitting, perhaps a special day such as your birthday or anniversary. The Great American Smokeout, on November 16. Whatever the day, make the commitment and stay to the program. This goal keeps you on task and makes it easier for you to keep track of the day you quit. You then have a new anniversary the one that saved your life.
Before your quit date do this, change brands. Find a brand that doesn't taste quite as good as you're favorite. The worse they taste the easier is to quit.
Make smoking an inconvenient habit. Stop carrying cigarettes with you and smoke only outdoors. Buy another pack only after you have run out. Never buy cigarettes by the carton. Use matches not a lighter.
A place where smoking is not permitted is a good idea, such as libraries, museums, theaters, department stores, and churches.
Smoke free for good
Once you have quit, stay strong. Never, ever, believe that "just one cigarette won't hurt." Thinking this way you can guarantee you will have another, making quitting much more difficult.
Smoke free for good
Once you have quit, stay strong. Never, ever, believe that "just one cigarette won't hurt." Thinking this way you can guarantee you will have another, making quitting much more difficult.
Craving cigarettes is a normal sensation. To help overcome the craving, use the meaningful reasons why you quit smoking. Achieve better health, feel better, save money, and live long enough to see your grandchildren.
Keep busy, don't have the time or the ability to take time to smoke, you will be amazed how much gets finished. With your free time use crossword puzzles, needlework, gardening or household chores. Oral substitutes, such as gum, raisins, sunflower seeds or carrot sticks are helpful.
During your first week, avoid places you associate with smoking, such as bars, an after-dinner cocktail. Remember the withdrawal symptoms temporary, strongest during the first week. Your body is still dependent on nicotine. That's why many people resume smoking in the first week. With will power, commitment and the support of family and friends, you CAN make it through.
Unexpected situational triggers, such as stressful events that occur within the first three months. Being aware of these dangers can keep you on your toes and help you resist the urge to smoke.
A final thought
Many are reluctant to quit smoking because of gaining weight. Although unpleasant, weight gain is not a good enough reason to keep smoking. Health benefits that result from "kicking the habit" far outweigh the drawbacks of putting on a few pounds. So take the plunge and give it another try.
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