Quitting may not be easy, but it can be done, as many ex-smokers have proven.
You may be able to do it yourself or you may need some outside help. It isn't
important how you do it. What's important is the fact that you are quitting.
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Deciding to quit is the first step. Probably the most
important aspect to success is your readiness and determination to
quit. Once
you've
made up
your mind to quit, this hurdle is behind you. |
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Friends, books, organizations or yourself. You don't
have to go it alone. Whether you decide to stop with the help of
a book or with the support of a group, you'll find the techniques
are similar. All good programs encourage behavior modification -
changing your way of life so that cigarettes are no longer important
in certain situations. |
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If you are quitting cold turkey, most health professionals
advise that you pick a date and then quit. You should begin to work
on changing parts of your daily routine that trigger cigarette smoking.
If a cup of coffee automatically means lighting up, switch to a
glass of fruit juice.
Make yourself conscious of the times you light
up
automatically, and work hard to change those patterns. Keeping a
smoking diary before you quit will help you identify
and track your smoking behavior. |
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Withdrawal symptoms usually peak on the third day after
quitting, then gradually disappear, although the craving may pop
up again at any time. Methods such as deep breathing, drinking more
water, and exercising can help you through the withdrawal woes. |
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Reward yourself! Quitting smoking is a difficult path,
so do not hesitate to reward yourself when you have passed a particularly
difficult period. Buy yourself a little gift. Or treat yourself to
a movie. Since you are in the process of kicking a dangerous, deadly
habit, you deserve a special thank you to yourself.
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Learn more about
avoiding smoker's relapse |
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