Methods to Quit Smoking Cigarettes
There are tons of people out there that are trying to quit smoking. It's no easy task to accomplish. There are so many different methods out there to help a person quit smoking that it's hard to tell which ones will actually work. When a person is addicted to nicotine, quitting smoking is not easy like some people think it is.
It's no secret that smoking causes health problems and costs a ton of money to keep up with. Smokers know this, but they still continue to do it. They would surely quit if they could, but it's easier said than done when those cravings for nicotine hit. Luckily, there are several methods for quitting smoking that people serious about giving up cigarettes should try.
The first method to quit smoking involved making lists. The first list is the things that a person likes about smoking. This will be a pros and cons list. On one side will be the good things about smoking and on the other will be the bad things. Some people may even choose to ask friends and family about the things they don't like about their smoking. Smoking affects more than just the individual. It can affect those around that person as well.
After doing a list, set up a date that you want to quit by. This is called a quit date. Sign your name to it and have a witness sign it also so they know that is the date you chose to have quit smoking by. Keeping an index card nearby with the reasons to quit smoking will help in the process. Whenever you feel like you are falling off the wagon, look at the card and you will see the reasons for wanting to quit in the first place.
This next step is very important for people that want to quit smoking. In order to stop smoking cigarettes, a person needs to stop buying them. They can start by not buying them by the carton anymore. The better option is to only buy one pack at a time. They should keep just a few cigarettes on them at a time so they aren't so readily available. This helps reduce the number of cigarettes being smoked each day and will slowly ween the person off of them. Eventually this number will decrease until someone hardly needs a cigarette at all.
Now it's time for another list. The person should make a list of the times they smoke at, what they are doing when they smoke and how much they are craving a cigarette. If there are specific times during the day that a cigarette craving occurs, a person should plan something fun or interesting to do at that time. This will take their mind off of smoking and reduce their nicotine dependence. The next list should be of things to do when the need for a cigarette arises. This can be just about anything from drinking water to taking a nap. It's best to plan something productive to do at that time, but anything is productive when smoking isn't involved. It's good for the person to keep a copy of the list with them so they can pick something to do when the craving for a cigarette hits them.
Soon the quit date will arrive. On this day, everything that has to do with smoking should be thrown away. This can include any cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, matches, smoking monkeys and anything else related to smoking. People at work should do other things besides smoking on their breaks. Playing a card game on the computer is a better option than smoking. If you can't play a game, take a walk, make a phone call or eat a healthy snack. All of these things are better than smoking a cigarette. Cigarettes can also be replaced with tea. Some people like to have a cigarette after a meal. Instead, a cup of tea is a much better option. A nice cup of herbal tea can reduce stress just a like a cigarette, only the tea won't ruin your lungs. Other options to replace cigarettes include nuts and toothpicks. They make flavored toothpicks as well, so that would be a great option.
What helps a lot of people is to think about how much money they will save by not buying cigarettes. One thing they can do is put all the money they would have spent on cigarettes. After a while, this money can be spent on something fun, whether it be a trip somewhere or just something that person has wanted to buy for a while. That will add up to be a lot of money for those that were previously heavy smokers. Money is much better than cigarette smoke.
As I said before, quitting smoking is no easy task for most people. There is always the possibility of falling off the wagon, whether it be for a few days, weeks or months. It happens, but that's no reason to give up. If you do have a relapse, just start over again. Those that really want to quit will find the strength and determination to get it done. It takes time, determination and support from loved ones. Not many people can do it alone, so having a good support system in place is essential.
Some people have tried to quit cold turkey, but this is not recommended. There is too much that can go wrong and the cravings and jitters are usually too much for a person to handle. It is better to gradually get oneself off of cigarettes than doing it all at once. The process will take a little time, but those that stick with it will be rewarded with all the benefits of being a non-smoker. You'll never have to stand out in the freezing rain to get your nicotine fix again. Now toss out those cigarettes and start living a healthier and happier life.
