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Smoking seriously increases your risks of health problems, premature aging and early death. Take the phrase "I want to quit smoking" to the next step and say, "I have quit smoking" by following these tips.
Quit cold turkey. Smoke your last cigarette and be done. Forever. This is the most effective way to quit smoking, albeit difficult. This allows you to get the nicotine out of your system within a few days – yes, hellish days – but your life and body will be better for it. Throw all your cigarettes out and refuse to buy more. Call in sick to work for a week and take the time to deal with the most severe cravings. Take one day at a time and make sure to keep yourself busy, the more you move the less idle time you will have to think about cigarettes. If you quit cold turkey make sure to drink lots of liquids to help flush the nicotine out of your system.
Motivate yourself. Write a list with your reasons to stop smoking. Put the list where you normally keep your cigarettes so when you reach for them, you find your motivation to quit instead. Among your personal reasons, your list should include a reminder that smoking is not a solution to problems or stress. Include the fact that quitting will save your life and greatly reduce health risks such as premature aging, all types of cancer especially lung cancer, increased risk of other terminal illnesses especially heart disease. Put a reminder that quitting will free you of an impairing addiction that takes priority in your life away from your family. You should also include the amount of money you will save by not buying cigarettes!
If you’re a woman, quit in the beginning of the month. Studies show that women experience less severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms (depression, anxiety, irritability) if they quit smoking within the 1st and 14th day of their menstrual cycle.
Get support. Tell friends and family that you have quit smoking. Let the people around you surround you with support and help keep you accountable. Quit with a friend or your spouse, or join a support group or online forum. There are many online resources available to help the new non-smokers. Check out smokefree.gov, heatlhination.com, whyquit.com and quitnet.com.
Battle your cravings. When you feel the nicotine withdrawal effects actively encages yourself in other activities- exercise, practice breathing exercises and continue to drink lots of water. Avoid people, places and certain activities that trigger the desire to smoke. You'll be smoke free in no time!
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