Smoking is one of the hardest habits to break. Even though people know that it is bad for their health, talking about quitting is easier than actually doing it. Nicotine is a very addictive substance. When your body and mind grow dependent on it, it makes the battle really difficult to fight. However, all is not lost. If you really put your mind to it, there are methods that you can use to break this dependency. Read this article to learn more.
A addiction control the mind as well as the body. Your craving for cigarettes is often triggered by some event. You probably reach for a cigarette when you feel stressed over something. If that is the case, if you can reduce the triggers of your stress, you can reduce the times when you crave a smoke. Start keeping a journal of the things that trigger your stress and your craving for a smoke relief. Then, figure out a way to avoid those stresses. If these stresses are unavoidable, think of other things that you can do to relieve that stress.
The next time you want to smoke, consider drinking a large of glass of water first. The fullness that you get may take away that craving.
Once you have started your efforts to quit, try not to to out with people who are smokers. Being around cigarettes will only make the craving and temptation stronger. Not only that, but peer pressure may make you go for a cigarette. Try to hang out more with your friends who are non-smokers. In fact, if they are good friends of yours, tell them that you trying to quit. You will benefit from their emotional support and your will power will get stronger.
When you feel like lighting up, try telling yourself that you do not have time for it right now, and that you will have a smoke in a few minutes. Keep delaying this every time you feel the craving. Fill your attention with something else. The trick is to get your mind off of cigarettes. If you can occupy your mind with other things, you will not give your craving a chance to increase.
If you are accustomed to lighting up after a meal, get up and go for a little exercise instead. Take a walk outside. If you are with a friend, ask the friend to come along.
To keep your mouth busy, bring along things like gum or hard candy, preferably the sugarless type. By giving your mouth something to do and by substituting something with a good flavor, your can deal with your cigarette craving. Try to find something that has strong flavors.
Get your doctor involved with your plan to stop smoking. He may have some suggestions for you that are appropriate, depending on your health.
The biggest hurdle is sticking to your commitment to quit. It is easier said than done, but you can do it. Use the tips in this article, and you can give yourself a fighting chance.