The Processes of How to Quit Smoking – - Tips and Things to be Aware Of

If you are a regular smoker, or indeed an occasional smoker, stopping this habit, learning how to quit smoking and breaking the addiction can be the most important step to improving your health. Only when you have stopped the regular ingestion of nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and the other 4000 toxins can you start to [...]

If you are a regular smoker, or indeed an occasional smoker, stopping this habit, learning how to quit smoking and breaking the addiction can be the most important step to improving your health. Only when you have stopped the regular ingestion of nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and the other 4000 toxins can you start to heal the damage done to your body through smoking. Before you begin the road to nicotine freedom and a healthier life, there are some important things you need to know in order to provide you with as much ammunition as possible.
Firstly, you need to know that there is a recognised process of how to quit smoking that everyone will go through known as The Cycle of Stopping. The first step on the road is, oddly enough, thinking about stopping. This may seem like common sense, but it is an essential part of the process. Once you have thought that you may want to stop, you have to then prepare yourself to stop. This is imperative if you wish to be successful. The pivotal point of the process is actually stopping. Pick a date to quit, letting yourself work up to the date when you will swap your bad, old habits for healthier, new ones. Then you have to stay stopped, this is when you not only swap your habits, but your lifestyle and attitudes. The last step in the process may not be experienced by all, but if you’ve already tried to stop before, you will recognise it. Unfortunately, almost everyone will relapse when they are unprepared for the reality of the process or not ready to stop in the first place. Do not think that you have failed, you’ve merely experienced a part of the process. Every time you experience a part of the process of how to quit smoking, you will be stronger by being better prepared next time.
Here are some tips to help you succeed:
• You will not be able to avoid stressful situations, so make a plan to cope with them.
• Whatever date you choose to quit make sure it is one that should be low in stress and stick to it.
• Be positive and remember, whether you believe you can or whether you believe you cant you’re probably right. So believe that you can.
• Each and every day is a challenge and each day you stay smoke-free is a triumph. Remember to tell yourself “well done!” Congratulate yourself each day.
• Try and quit smoking with a friend or a spouse and support each other in times of stress.
• If you are battling with cravings that you cannot cope with, consider using Nicotine Replacement Therapy or other medication such as bupropion.
• When you first quit, in the first week or two, avoid the places that you associate with smoking. This will help you to avoid temptation.
• Divert yourself with activity and try to keep yourself busy. Possibly consider more healthy activities.
• As an added benefit and incentive, add up or even physically save the money you would have been spending. Maybe have a goal to buy yourself something nice with the money.
• Do not be tempted to try just one cigarette as you are doomed to start again to learn how to quit smoking.

Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to stopping smoking for good.