Tips on How to Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of several life-threatening health conditions like heart diseases, cancer, high blood pressure, COPD, etc. Active as well passive smokers are equally at risk of suffering from these conditions. Similarly, smoking during pregnancy can lead to lack of growth in the baby. Therefore, due to the awareness about these harmful effects of smoking, many people are looking for methods to stop smoking.

Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

Cigarettes contain nicotine which is very addictive and therefore, it is difficult to stop smoking immediately. However, it is not impossible! If you follow proper method, quitting smoking is possible, and that too without any withdrawal symptoms or side effects.

• Motivation to begin the technique to stop smoking is very essential and hence, before you look for any method, you should be motivated to stop smoking completely.
• For extra motivation, search in detail about the consequences of smoking on the Internet. Then, on a paper, write down why you wish to quit smoking (for your partner, children, career, etc).
• One of the most important tip to remember is to never try to stop smoking cold turkey (i.e., abrupt and complete stopping of smoking) as it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. You should also try to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes per day and only then stop smoking.
• Remember that your body, or more aptly, your brain is accustomed to the daily nicotine intake and stopping it can only lead to withdrawal. You can use nicotine lozenges, nicotine gum, etc. to avoid the withdrawal symptoms (note that cigarettes and nicotine gum should not be used together)
• Most of the time, quitting smoking alone can be challenging. In that case, it is wise to look for support in a family member, partner, friend, etc. You should also talk to your doctor for support and guidance.
• Find out the cause that leads you to cigarette smoking (stress, peer pressure, etc.) and try to eliminate it. If you have an urge of smoking in any of your favorite place, try to avoid it altogether.
• Stress is one of the major causes of smoking in young adults. You should look for stress relieving techniques like meditation, yoga, massage, etc. and opt for either of these whenever stressed.
• Deep breathing is also an effective method to get rid of stress and smoking. If you feel stressed at any time of the day, just close your eyes and breath deeply. Try to focus on your breathing and tell yourself to relax.
• To quit smoking during pregnancy, you should drink a glass of water or chew sugar free gum whenever you feel like smoking. You can eat any of your favorite foods like chocolate, rather than smoking.
• Whenever you feel an urge to smoke, wait for a couple of minute or do something else. You can call your support person, practice deep breathing, eat something, etc.
• In order to quit smoking, you need to change your routine and habits. If you have a habit of smoking at particular time, have breakfast at that time, work or talk to your partner.
• Lastly, as one of the most effective tips on stopping smoking is to consult the doctor and ask for prescription pills to get rid of the nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. Taking the pills and controlling your urge to smoke can really help in quitting smoking.

Lastly, as a self motivation technique, reward yourself for giving up every single cigarette! This self motivation can help in stopping smoking completely and also save you from several life-threatening conditions. Good luck!