A larger percentage of all the smokers in the world would like to quit. No matter what you smoke, or how frequently, there are serious health risks involved. If you can quit, you will probably extend your life and escape diseases such as cancer.
Here are ten great tips that will help you stop smoking for good.
Ask yourself why you do smoke.
Identifying the reasons will help you figure out other ways to deal with them. For example, stress can be helped through exercise as well.
Make a list of why you should not smoke.
There are plenty of reasons not to smoke: health, money, family and friends, stinkiness. Find out what is most important to you.
Think about the money that is wasted
With the rising costs of cigarettes, it will be easy to come up with something better to use all that money for. Plan a vacation for your family or buy a new car!
Use group support to quit
Those who quit with a support group have a greater chance of quitting that those who go it alone. Find a support group at a local hospital.
Tell other people about your plans
If you tell your plans to stop smoking to your family and friends, they can be supportive of you and you will have added insentive to quit.
Discuss it with your doctor
Your doctor is sure to be pleased that you want to quit smoking. He may even recommend a smoking cessation aid such as gum, a patch, or a prescription medication.
Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and more
You should get rid of anything that you identify with smoking. Seeing a lighter and ashtray lying around will only urge to pick up a cigarette again.
Drink a lot of water
Water will not only keep your mouth busy, but it will help to flush the nicotine out of your system.
Start an exercise plan
With your newfound lung capacity, you might want to start an exercise plan. This will also help keep away the weight that may be gained when you quit smoking.
Keep your hands and mouth busy
You can keep your hands and mouth busy with straws, lollipops, plastic coffee stirrers, toothicks or other items. It will take some time to break the hand to mouth habit of smoking.
Using these ten tips to help yourself quit smoking will not guarantee success, but it should help you succeed. Ultimately, it is up to you to achieve greater health and well-being by quitting smoking now.
