Effective Solutions To Curb Your Urge To Smoke
Many smokers think that quitting is mostly a matter of getting rid of the tobacco and relying on sheer determination to stop. You do not have to make it quite this hard on yourself. There are many smoking cessation aids and techniques that will assist you in your efforts to quit.
Create a list of the reasons why you’re quitting. Putting things on paper can have a profound effect on your mental outlook. Use this as a source of motivation, and build your focus on your daily challenges.
If you get the urge to light up, try using a delay tactic. By telling yourself that you’ll see how you feel in 10 minutes, and then distracting your mind and body during that time, you will normally find that 10 minutes later, the craving will have passed. If this does not happen right away, keep repeating this technique.
Do not crack under stress or pressure: find another way to deal with your stress. You may find it helpful to work out during the most difficult part of the day, learn a new skill or hobby, or book massages on a regular schedule. Give yourself enjoyable distractions to keep you away from smoking, such as playing with your pets or kids.
Many people have found that switching brands can help on your quitting journey. Go with a cigarette that does not taste very good. Do not smoke a greater quantity if you have chosen to purchase light cigarettes. This is a great tool to begin your journey of quitting.
Cut back on how much you smoke. This is a great starting point on your quest to quit smoking. You should try to wait an hour in the morning before you smoke. Try smoking just half a cigarette when you do smoke to cut down a little at a time.
Plan ahead on how to manage any stressful situations. Most smokers use cigarettes to calm themselves during stressful moments. If you make a plan and have strategies in place, you can better avoid smoking. Come up with several alternatives for stress relief so that you can try different things if the first thing on your list doesn’t eliminate the desire to smoke.
While trying to stop smoking, avoid any activities or situations where you would previously smoke. Try a change of pace if you are used to having that first cigarette in the morning with coffee or with cocktails at the end of the workday. Drink coffee once you get into your office or stay away from the bar to minimize your cravings.
Create a mantra for yourself. Tell yourself that you won’t take one puff ever again. When you are tempted, a single cigarette might not seem to matter, but it can set you way back after all your hard work. Remind yourself of the damage that “just one” can do before the urge ever strikes.
The best way to stop smoking is to quit today. Instead of choosing a day down the road to quit, do it today. It has been scientifically proven that your body will heal itself over time reducing the risk of illnesses associated with smoking. This also alleviates the risks of secondhand smoke, to your family and their health. This is major reason to quit, as well.
After looking at the tips above, you now have ideas to help you quit smoking and enjoy life more. There may be days that you feel tempted to smoke but with the right kinds of techniques and support, you can do it by taking it one day at a time.