Congratulate yourself first. The fact that you are researching on the Internet about ways to quit smoking is itself a giant leap forward in your efforts to become tobacco free. Many people think it is too hard to quit smoking. So, they keep postponing their efforts to stop smoking. It is true that quitting is not easy, because nicotine is very addictive. But, where there is a will, there is a way.
Why is it Difficult to Quit Smoking?
Smokers get addicted to nicotine or some other chemical contained in smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. In fact, nicotine can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. But, there is no need to be discouraged. Millions have managed to quit smoking all over the world. Just follow the below strategies and you will be successful:
Write Down Your Goals
Jot down all the reasons for quitting smoking. You may want to save money or you might be doing it for increasing your stamina. Place the list of reasons where it can be seen every day. Keep adding new reasons as soon as you think of them.
Get Support
Get help from your family and close friends. Or, confide in a counselor or anybody else that you trust. If you cannot find anybody else who is interested in supporting you or quitting smoking, join a support group. You can do this online or in person.
More Strategies to Quit Smoking
Set a Quitting Date
Pick out a day when you will definitely quit smoking. Tell your friends, confidants and family about it. Mark this day as the divider between the smoker in you and the improved nonsmoker. Note this day on your calendar.
Throw Away All Your Cigarettes
If there are no cigarettes around you, then you will not be tempted. So, chuck ALL your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays, including the emergency pack that you might have stashed secretly.
Wash your clothes
Get rid of cigarette smell from your clothes by washing them. If you have smoked inside your car, clean the vehicle too. This will prevent a relapse.
Beware of Triggers
You probably know the situations when you feel like smoking. These could be after a meal, while driving, or drinking coffee, etc. Beware of these triggers and do your best to resist the temptation to smoke at these times.
