How to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking will be one of the best decisions you make in your entire life. It will not only benefit you but also everyone whom you are close to. This article will guide you through some ways to quit and also share some tips on quitting smoking.

Just remember, everyone has a different process, and what may work for someone else, may not work for you. So, hold on until you find a good fit for yourself and don’t give up.

Ways to Quit

  1. The most common method of trying to quit smoking is going Cold Turkey. To quit cold turkey means to do it without any outside support. Essentially you just drop your last cigarette and try to never smoke again. Out of the 90% of people who attempt to quit this way, only about 6% succeed.
  2. Build a quit plan. Building a quit plan is actually one of the better ways to quit smoking. The first thing you have to do is pick a quit date. That will give you time to mentally prepare yourself, and also brief your friends and family that you are quitting. The key to s successful quit plan is the removal of all smoking paraphernalia within your house and place of work.
  3. Behavioural Therapy is another great way to quit; however, it might be expensive. In behavioural therapy, you will work with a counsellor to find your smoking triggers, and together you will find ways not to smoke and make a plan to get through the cravings.
  4. Nicotine Therapy is the second most common way people try to quit smoking. Nicotine therapy involves using nicotine gum, patches, inhalers, sprays, and lozenges as substitutes for a cigarette. Research has proven that individuals that use this method are the most likely to quit smoking.

Tips to Quit

  1. Find your reason. Finding your reason to quit will not only give you motivation but will also give you the determination to see your quest until the very end. Your reason should be a powerful or personal one that is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light a cigarette up.
  2. If you are going cold turkey, you need to prepare yourself mentally. You will need to steel your mind for the battle ahead. Smoking is an addiction and without nicotine, you will go through withdrawal. If you have enough preparation, you should be ready for the day you choose to quit.
  3. Consider Nicotine replacement therapy. As said earlier in this article, research has proven that individuals that use this method are the most likely to quit smoking. So why not save yourself the pain of going through withdrawal when you can slowly and steadily quit.
  4. Support from your loved ones. Leaning on your loved ones can take much of the pressure from quitting off you. They can help encourage you when you are feeling down, and they may also be able to watch and ensure you do not succumb to temptation.
  5. Take a break. One of the main reasons why people smoke is as a stress reliever. Once you decide to quit, the stress of work may tempt you to undo all the hard work you have done until now. So why not just take a break? Pick up a fun hobby with some friends, or even better just got for a short holiday and completely unwind.
  6. Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol and smoking go hand in hand. From the time the first drink goes down, the urge to smoke will only become stronger. So, try to limit your alcohol consumption when you first quit.
  7. Spring cleaning. Clearing out all of your lighters and ashtrays from around your house will definitely help you in your journey to quit smoking. These items just act as a reminder of your past days.
  8. Be active. Getting out of the house and moving around will definitely take your mind of your nicotine cravings and will ease some withdrawal symptoms. When you feel the urge to smoke, just take your dog for a walk, or just put on your shoes and go for a run. You will end up both losing weight and quit smoking.
  9. Eat fruits and vegetables. Do not try to diet while you give up smoking. Too much deprivation can easily backfire. Instead, keep things simple and try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These are good for your whole body.
  10. Choose a reward for yourself. Rewarding yourself after each milestone in your journey to quit is a great idea. All the money you save from buying cigarettes can be used to treat yourself to something nice, and it will act as motivation to keep going.