Have you decided to stop smoking. Each of us has different reason: it could be because of health problems, because you want to save money, because you want to get back to a healthier lifestyle…Quitting smoking is not easy, even if you have good reasons to. Here are 10 tips to help you quit smoking:
1) Warn your family and friends: tell them that you are motivated and that you have decided to stop smoking. It will be easier for them to help and understand what you are going through when you will be nervous or tired.
2) Relax: learn to relax. In the first place, learn to “breathe” again. Sit somewhere quiet. Inspire deeply and expire deeply by being aware of what you are doing. Visualize that you are getting rid of all the smokes that you have stocked for years. This exercise should allow you to alleviate the anxiety and agressivity that you might feel when quitting smoking.
3) Exercise. When you feel you are craving for a cigarette, get out to walk, run… with a friend. Occupy yourself so that you don’t think of smoking. This kind of craving lasts between 3 and 5 minutes. Be prepared to live with cravings the first weeks of stopping smoking. Then it will disappear. Do better: exercise regularly, it will allow you to get back your breath.
4) Do the spring cleaning of your home, car, office… Get rid of everything that will remind you of the odor of smoke so that you won’t be tempted. Air all the rooms, the car… Clean the linen, curtains, carpets… in order to eliminate the tobacco smell. Get rid of the last cigarettes, ashtray, lighter… Quitting smoking is like going on diet. If you don’t have them in your house, cupboard… you will be less tempted.
5) Check your weight. It is usual to put on some weight when stopping smoking. Most men put on 8 pounds and women put on about 10 pounds. The nicotine helps to eliminate the fat. So, when quitting smoking, you are going back to your real weight. Therefore, to avoid putting on some weight, check what you are eating and exercise.
6) Drink water. Dehydratation prompts you to snack and it is also increasing your longing for smoking. So don’t forget to drink water.
7) Think of how much you are going to save if you quit smoking. What you will be able to get with what you have saved: a new TV, a travel, a cruise…?
8 ) Be motivated. Give yourself a pat on the back for each minutes, hours, days… you haven’t touched a cigarette. To stay motivated, think of the benefits of stopping smoking. For example, 48 hours after quitting smoking, your taste and smell improve: you don’t have anymore nicotine in your body and your lungs begin to eliminate the tobacco toxics. Therefore, you are feeling better, you are less tired and the coughing has decreased.
9) Think of all the triggers that make you want to smoke and change your habits, particularly all the habits that will remind you of the feeling of the cigarette between your fingers. For instance, if at breakfast, you used to smoke while drinking your coffee, review what you will be having at breakfast (instead of coffee, take tea, milk…) to break all the bad habits.
10) Have a little help. There are several methods to help you stop smoking. Choose the one that suits you better. It can be acupuncture, patch, electronic cigarette, alternative health product…
