Smoking Cessation

Even though the harmful effects of tobacco are well-known and documented, it can be hard to kick the habit. If you are ready and willing to quit, the following strategies may help you to work towards success.

Before you can proceed towards your goal of smoking cessation, you need to make a plan. For many, quitting cold turkey is out of the question - you will experience too many cravings and temptations to be effective. What you need to decide, then, is how you're going to quit. 

Are you going to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke? Set small goals for yourself (say, within three months, you will be smoking one pack a day instead of two) and rewards for when you set your goals. Develop strategies that will help you to meet these goals with minimal temptation.

Starting before you even try to quit smoking, begin a log of when you light up. Document the times that you are smoking and why you are smoking at that time. Did you just feel like smoking? Were you stressed from what was going on during the day? Were you smoking with friends or co-workers? 

These types of observations will make it easier for you to identify what causes you to light up in the first place, which can help you to identify areas that you can eliminate or reduce during your day to minimize these temptations.

So you've identified when you're smoking the most. The next step is to find alternative activities you can do during these times instead of smoking. 

If you always smoke during your breaks at work, what activities could you use to replace smoking? Maybe you can read a book or go for a quick walk to refresh yourself. Try to think outside the box if you find yourself getting stuck - creativity will give you more options to choose from.

Keep your mouth busy by making sure you drink a lot of water. If you do not find water particularly delectable, you can drink juice as well. These will help you to stay hydrated and will help you put something healthier in your mouth than the end of a cigarette.

Moderate exercise can help you to flush the toxins from your body. If you rid your body of toxins, you will find that the physical cravings for the nicotine and tobacco are far less - and then you only have to worry about the much easier to break psychological cravings.

A support group can be very beneficial, as well. If you find that you often give into your cravings, you may find strength from others who have the same struggle as you and who are trying to reach the same goal. Partner up with someone who is also trying to quit smoking and start holding each other accountable. If you are competitive by nature, consider starting a little competition to see who can meet their goals the quickest. Just make sure you don't cheat just to win.

Eliminate any smoking products from your house. This includes the cigarettes themselves, empty packing (which might trigger you to go purchase more), lighters, memorabilia, etc. The less contact you have with items that remind you of cigarettes, the more likely you are to accomplish your smoking cessation goals.

If you have visitors over who smoke, ask that they do not smoke in your presence. Provide a space outside where they can smoke, and make sure that you do not accompany them. The temptation would be too great, and it just takes one puff for all of your efforts to be ruined.

However, if you do give in and have a cigarette, do not give up. In accomplishing any goal, there will be set-backs. Instead of being disheartened, use this opportunity to develop strategies to meet the weaknesses you did not know you had. Build a stronger plan and begin working towards your goals once more.

Living a life without cigarettes is possible with the right knowledge and the right motivation. The strategies above are suggestions that can help you to break old devastating habits. Good luck in your quest!

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