Tips On How To Quit Smoking

Our office recently had a Smoking Cessation symposium. I am not a smoker myself but I was interested in the symposium to help my nicotine chugging friends to quit or at least lessen their smoking. 
Here are some tips on how to Quit Smoking:



Decide Positively That You Want To Quit Smoking

Acceptance is always the first step. Once you put in your mind and accept that "Smoking is a Problem," that is the time that you can start your "Recovery". If you decide that it is time to move on from smoking, then this task will be easier for you.



List All Reasons Why You Want To Quit Smoking

It is always easier to do or follow something when it is in black and white. This is the reason why our laws and other rules and regulations are always in a list or a board somewhere (like the wall above the blackboard in your grade school classroom, in a booklet, etc.) Always keep this list with you and have it handy so that each time you get the urge to smoke, you can look at the list so as to remind you of why you want to quit. Some examples of what to put in the list may be your family members, the money you can save instead of spending it on smoking, the things you can buy with the money you save once you quit smoking, etc. Once you have this listed and organized, keep it in the bag you usually use when going to work so that you will see it every time you get something from your bag and so remembering the list's contents.



Set realistic expectations

 Don't expect to quit smoking overnight. Quitting smoking is a process and you would have to go through it gradually. Quit one day at a time.



Involve a family member or a friend to help you out

It is always better to have someone to share your experiences and feelings while in the process of quitting. Select someone whom you can confide your feelings specially if you feel that the task is getting harder(specially during detox mode.) It would also be a plus if both of you are going through the same ordeal. So if you can convince someone to join your cause that would be very good for the quitting process.



Cut Down on the Number of Cigarettes You Smoke 

 A good example would be to lower the number of sticks you smoke daily. Try to  lower it gradually from 20 sticks a day down to fifteen then down to 10 and eventually to zero. This will lower your agitation due to the deviation from your usual routine. Some people when going through "detox" are quite irritable and grumpy, and you want to avoid that specially at work and when you are with your family.



Make Smoking Inconvenient and Unpleasant

 Try other cigarette brands that you dislike so you will hate having to smoke. Also try to practice going out without cigarettes. Buying cigarettes each time you want to smoke is time consuming will be a big inconvenience. This will give you the mindset that you don't need to smoke as it will cost you precious time and money. Another thing you can try is to spend as much free time in places where smoking is not allowed.




Keep Yourself Busy

Keeping your mind and body busy will be a good thing to do when trying to quit smoking as it deviates you from your craving for nicotine. Try doing something new every so often as it can help you overcome smoking and also you may learn something new about yourself. Engage into healthy activities like sports, jogging, walking, etc as it will not only divert your attention, it will also help keep your body in good condition.

Think: "Its Possible and You Can Do It!"

Images from : google.com