Many smokers have successfully given up cigarettes by substituting them with better habits, without quitting “cold turkey,” quit smoking pills,planning a particular program, or seeking qualified help.
The following methods include loads of those especially popular with ex-smokers. Consider that triumphant systems are as distinctive as the people who use them. What may seem impractical to others may be just what you necessitate to quit – so don’t be awkward to try something uncommon. These systems can make your own individual attempts a little more straightforward.
Pick the ideas that make sense to you – whether it be a quit smoking pill like Chantrix, quit smoking hypnosis or something else. And then follow through – you’ll have a much better chance of success.
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR STOPPING SMOKING…
• Make a decision that you want to stop smoking. Try to stay away from disapproving beliefs about how difficult it may be.
• Start to condition yourself physically: Start a modest exercise program; drink more fluids; get plenty of rest; and avoid fatigue.
• List all the causes for why you want to stop smoking. Every night before going to bed, go over one of the grounds 11 times.
• Devolop robust personal motivations in addition to your health and responsibility to others. For instance, think of all the time you throw away taking cigarette breaks, rushing out to get a pack, searxching for a light, etc.
• Set a target date for quitting – perhaps a special day such as your birthday, your anniversary, or the Great American Smokeout. If you smoke heavily at work, stop smoking during your vacation so that you’re already committed to quitting when you return. Make the date sacred, and don’t let anything change it. This will make it easy for you to keep track of the day you became a nonsmoker and to celebrate that date every year.
KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT…
• Have realistic expectations – quitting isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. More than 3 million Americans stop smoking every year.
• Understand that withdrawal symptoms are TEMPORARY. They usually last only 1-2 weeks.
• Know that most relapses occur in the first week after quitting, when withdrawal symptoms are strongest and your body is still dependent on nicotine. Be aware that this will be your hardest time, and use all your personal resources – willpower, family, friends, and the tips in this booklet – to get you through this critical period successfully.
• Know that most other relapses occur in the first 3 months after quitting, with situational triggers – such as a particularly stressful event – occur unexpectedly. These are the times when people reach for cigarettes automatically, because they associate smoking with relaxing. This is the kind of situation that’s hard to prepare yourself for until it happens, so it’s especially important to recognize it if it does happen. Remember that smoking is a habit, but a habit you can break.
• Realize that most successful ex-smokers quit for good only after several attempts. You may be one of those who can quit smoking your first try. But if you’re not, DON’T GIVE UP. Try again.
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