Do you want to know how to quit smoking? Most people fail the first time, or even the 2nd or 3rd time, they attempt to quit smoking. How about you? Have you tried to stop smoking before and failed? Do you know why you have not been able to quit smoking? Chances are you didn’t mentally prepare yourself first. Read on to learn some tips to help you help prepare yourself first to stop smoking and increase your odds of success.
Do you really want to quit smoking?
The first question to ask yourself is what are the reasons why you want to quit smoking? If your answer is because someone told you it would be better for your health, it costs too much money, someone else wants you to quit or some other reason along those lines; chances are you probably won’t succeed. You have to really want it for you! Make a checklist of the reasons why you want to quit smoking for you.
Why do you like to smoke?
Now make a list of all of the reasons why you like to smoke. Is it the taste or smell of the cigarette? Alone? With Coffee or tea? After a meal? Or perhaps it’s the way it makes you feel. Happy? Pleasurable? Relaxed? Powerful? Important? Or perhaps smoking helps you not to feel. Does smoking numb your feelings? Reduce your feelings of stress? Or fear? Relieve your feelings of boredom? Or loneliness? Whatever the reasons, make a note of them.
What will you substitute for smoking?
Next you need to decide what you’ll substitute for smoking. Yes, you can get a nicotine replacement for the physical sensations you’ll feel when you stop. But what are you going to substitute for the emotional sensations you’ll feel when you quit smoking? Next to each reason you listed why you like to smoke, write down something you can do to generate those same or similar sensations or feelings.
Some suggestions are:
– Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who will help you feel good about yourself.
– Take up a new hobby such as knitting, model airplanes, scrapbooking or puzzles; anything that will keep your hands and mind busy, generate feelings of pleasure and give you a sense of accomplishment.
– Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. Whether it’s a 10 minute walk or a bike ride with your kids, any activity that will support your efforts to quit, reduce your stress level and improve your overall health.
Following the the smoking quit tips covered in this article may increase your chances of successfully becoming a non-smoker. What are the reasons you really, really, want to quit for you? Why do you like to smoke? What else can you replace to generate that sense or feelings that you get from smoking? Remember, if you want to increase your odds on how to quit smoking cigarettes successfully, become emotionally ready first.
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