If you are a smoker, you are probably aware of the many reasons why you shouldn’t smoke. You should learn more about what it takes to quit smoking, and you will find it is not as hard as you think. Go over this article to learn more.
Do not feel bad if you have tried quitting in the past and did not succeed. Few smokers manage to quit with their first try. The important thing is to keep trying until you succeed, no matter how long it takes. You are progressing as long as you manage to reduce your smoking a little or even learn which products are not efficient in your case. Make a list of reasons why you should quit smoking, and find ways to remain motivated throughout your next attempt. If you cannot resist and have a cigarette, do your best not to smoke again for the rest of the day even though cravings will intensify. Start again the next day and focus on going as long as possible without smoking.
You might have to start by cutting down your smoking to progressively reduce your addiction to nicotine. If you are a heavy smoker, try cutting down on a daily basis, for instance by smoking one or two less cigarettes a day. Try identifying in which situations you are always tempted to smoke. A lot of smokers get into the habit of having a cigarette after a meal. Focus on getting rid of these almost ritual cigarettes to break the patterns you have grown used to. Replace your cigarettes with another harmless habit such as eating a piece of sugar-free candy.
You should know that cravings disappear after about a month. You will experience the strongest cravings during the first weeks, but cravings will lose their intensity. Cravings are caused by the presence of toxins in your system. Cravings will disappear if no new toxins are introduced, or in other words, if you do not smoke. You should also avoid caffeine, alcohol and stress as much as possible. You can eliminate toxins a lot faster by staying hydrated and sweating, either by working out or going to a sauna.
Quitting will be easier if you have an efficient way to manage your stress. Adopting a healthier diet and being more active should help. Go for long walks or practice a sport or activity you love. Take the time to relax and do things you enjoy. If you feel stressed, take a break from what you are doing and do some breathing exercises. Relaxation and meditation exercises should help you too. Consider going to counseling to learn more about stress management techniques. If you have a very stressful job, you should take a few weeks off so you can work on reducing your smoking in a more relaxing environment.
Use these tips to reduce your smoking and eventually get rid of this habit. You will feel much better once you get through your first nicotine-free month and learn to fight your cravings.