Tips for successfully quitting smoking in the new year
Smoking is a dangerous, addictive and unhealthy habit. If you're reading this article, you are undoubtedly looking for tips and insights that can help you quit smoking. Be prepared for a difficult journey because it's not going to be easy and you're going to encounter a lot of bumps along the road.If you are truly serious about quitting smoking, here are some tips to help you get started:
Talk to your doctorTalk to your doctor to let him or her know that you plan to do this. They will be more encouraging and supporting than you can imagine. They will also willingly prescribe any prescription aids to help you quit smoking. It's important that you let your doctor know your plan because the effects of withdrawal can be quite difficult and unpleasant.Set a date to quitSet a date so that you can prepare yourself to quit on that date. Don't go on a marathon smoking spree or go out and buy that last package of cigarettes. If you do, you'll have to throw them out because the only way to quit successfully is to remove the source of the addiction from your home, your car, your office and anywhere else you go.Get rid of smoking gearGet rid of your cigarettes, ash trays, lighters, matches, and anything else you associate with smoking. Make sure you remove it from your house so that you can't easily go back and retrieve it.
Clean your house from top to bottomStart to clean out your home by washing all of your walls, clothing, linens, bedding, and furniture. If you have carpeting, it may be impossible to get the smell of smoke out of carpeting and if that's the case, you'd be wise to remove it from your home. Removing the evidence and smell of smoke from your home will make the process much easier for you.Drink large amounts of waterWe all know that we're supposed to drink 8 glasses of water daily. For a smoker who is trying to quit, this isn't going to be enough. Drink as much water as you possibly can. The water will flush the nicotine out of your system faster, and that will help you deal with the withdrawal.Find things to do to keep busyLook for things to do that will keep you busy and keep your hands occupied so you don't go looking for a cigarette every time you aren't doing something else. Knitting, sewing, crocheting, playing computer games, or anything that will keep you occupied will help a lot. Learn how to knit or crochet if you don't know how to do it. It will fill that void of not having something in your hands and will help with the anxiety.Take it a day at a timeRather than trying to push yourself to go for a week or a month at a stretch, take it a day at a time. Every day that you can go through without smoking is an accomplishment. Remind yourself that if you could do it today, you can do it again tomorrow. Keep encouraging yourself that way.Keep track of money savedKeep track of all the money you save by not buying cigarettes. You will be astounded at the amount of money you were literally burning up in smoke. Use that money for some sort of reward, as this can be a great incentive. At the end of a month of not smoking, treat yourself to something you really want. Use this money for yourself, and for things you want, not necessities.Avoid going to places that allow smokingIf you used to hang out at bars where people smoked, you may have to stop doing that. You will wind up smelling like smoke just from being in the place, and when you are surrounded by people who are engaging in a behavior you are trying to quit, you may be tempted to slide back into smoking.Pick yourself up and start over if you failIf you cheat and smoke a cigarette, don't see that as a sign that you're a failure. Pick yourself up and start over again. If you did it before, you can do it now. It's not the end of the world if you happen to cheat, as long as you are willing to commit to sticking to it again.Use free professional support servicesThe American Cancer Society has all sorts of free materials that you can request to help you quit smoking. Look to your local hospital for support groups and other services they may offer. Any kind of support you can get will be helpful.Smoking is horribly addictive, and you probably won't realize the extent to which you were addicted until you actually quit. Accept the feelings that you have and all of the anxiety associated with the withdrawal and don't try to fight those feelings. They will abate in time. Every day that you successfully go through without smoking is one day on the road to an entirely smoke free life. The advice and suggestions offered here can and do work.
