So you’ve decided it’s time to give up that nasty smoking habit. Good for you! Making the decision to quit smoking is one of the wisest you will make in your lifetime, and probably one of the hardest.
If you’re looking for some handy hints on where to go from here, read on.
When you decide to quit smoking, make sure to add plenty of fresh fruit to your diet. Your body will likely undergo some chemical changes when you stop smoking, often including a lowered blood glucose level. Healthy fruits can help to raise your blood glucose level to normal levels, keeping you healthy while you’re working toward quitting.
Make a list of reasons that you want to quit smoking, and keep them in your wallet. Your reasons may include your family, living to see a special event, or anything you find meaningful. Whenever you have moments of weakness, pull out your list for several reminders of what you are working toward.
Get a good night’s sleep every night if you are trying to stop smoking. Not getting adequate sleep can sometimes lead to cravings. Late nights tend to be a time when no one is around, and it makes it easier to be tempted to smoke. Getting eight hours of rest each night will help to keep you mentally focused, meaning you’re better able to control those cravings.
When quitting smoking, you must learn to manage your stress. Once smoking is no longer an option, turn to healthier outlets such as massage therapy, long walks in your favorite park, listening to relaxing music, or meditation. Find something you can do that provides near-instant gratification so that you’ll be less tempted to turn to smoking when things get tough.
Remember that false starts are common when people try to quit smoking. Even if you’ve tried and failed to quit before, you should always keep trying. Ultimately, any reduction in your smoking habit is good for you, so as long as you are trying to quit you are improving your life and health.
When you are trying to quit smoking, sometimes you have to change other habits which trigger your desire for a puff. Instead of that cup of coffee or that alcoholic drink, have a glass of juice or water. Many people still have an urge to have a smoke after finishing a meal. After a meal, take a walk. Not only will it help take your mind off having a smoke, it will also help keep off the weight that is commonly associated with giving up smoking.
While part of the idea of quitting smoking is to save money, treat yourself to a reward now and again with the money that you haven’t spent on cigarettes. These treats give your something to look forward to and serve as a reminder of the things you may not have been able to buy as a smoker.
Don’t assume that a nicotine withdrawal medication has to have nicotine in it. While it is true that you can find an alternate source of nicotine and reduce your levels of it, you could just try a prescription medication that blocks your need for nicotine. Consult your physician about a medicine that might just kill your cravings.
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To clarify why it is so important for you to quit, ask the people you love to tell you how they think smoking has affected you. Just be prepared to hear unpleasant comments about how your car or clothes smell or more emotional confessions like how your kids worry about your health.
Before beginning to quit, talk with your doctor about your intentions. Your doctor can advise you on the best methods to quit, and if need be, can provide you with prescription drugs to aid your quitting. Also, your doctor can be an important sounding board throughout your entire quitting experience.
Do not procrastinate your quitting date as this should happen immediately. Just quit right now. Don’t schedule a day to quit further down the line. If you commit to kicking your habit, as soon as possible, you can potentially extend your life by many years. Your family is also affected by your smoking, as secondhand smoke has shown to be deadly.
Smoking has probably been something you used to help you go through stressful situations. If you do this, it will really help to find some good relaxation techniques to use when you are feeling stress start to build up. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing techniques are all a great way to help relieve stress and stay smoke-free.
You should create new routines when you are trying to quit smoking. If you tend to smoke when you are having your first cup of coffee, try reading the news on your phone, instead. These daily habits will quickly become ingrained if you are consistent, making quitting easier in the long run.
Be sure to eat healthy. Don’t start a new diet while you are in the middle of quitting smoking. Just focus on making health food choices. Some research shows that smokers get an unpleasant taste in their mouths after eating foods such as dairy products, vegetables and fruit. Eating them can help you quit and give you healthful benefits.
Drink lots of cranberry juice the first three days. Any consumption of acidic fruit juices will really take the edge off of the nicotine withdrawal as your internal chemistry slowly accepts the change. Just remember to quit after three days, as the physical nicotine withdrawal will end by then and the juices will just fatten you up after that.
If an activity becomes difficult and makes you crave a cigarette, try to step away from it. There are some activities that might just naturally make you crave a cigarette. These might include drinking a cup of coffee or hanging out in a bar with friends. If you’re not strong enough to handles these activities without a cigarette, realize it and just walk away.
As was previously said, quitting smoking is not an overnight process. There is not, unfortunately, an on/off switch when it comes to this habit. But it can achieved with some patience, perseverance, and a lot of faith. One day at a time and soon you will be proudly announcing to all that you are a non-smoker.
