It’s easy to think that you could easily stub out your last cigarette and give up smoking for good, but is that truly what you believe? Most smokers do not realize the extent of their addiction and just how dangerous their addiction actually is, they tend to have a very blinkered approach to smoking and the harm it can do. You might think that you are actually in control of it and if you are, that’s fantastic, why not give up right now? But if you are a little doubtful as to the likelihood of your being successful, there are things that you can do to ease the way.
First of all, it can really help to understand your own attachment to smoking. Consider just what you like about it and when you smoke the most. To make your research a little more comprehensive, keep a diary for 3-4 days and write down everything that you can think of that relates to your personal use of cigarettes. Once you have really established what your addiction represents, then it will make it much easier to give up.
If you know that you can’t just give up smoking in one go, then consider swapping traditional cigarettes for electronic ones. They give a similar smoking experience but without all of the nasty chemicals so they are healthier for you and can help you to wean yourself off nicotine. They can help you to change your smoking behaviours and gradually reduce your need for any cigarettes.
If you want to give up smoking, don’t just think about it, do it. Set yourself a quit date and stick to it. If it helps, get others involved in it. Do a sponsored charity quit smoking campaign and raise some money for a good cause. Because you understand how your addiction affects you, it will make it easier to comprehend the level of difficulty that you might expect.
A smoking habit is all about the routine. For example, if you have a cigarette every morning with a coffee and friends, it’s important to change the time or location and don’t have coffee, switch to fruit juice or have tea. These subtle changes can make a big difference. This shake-up of your addiction is really important and you can start undoing the current smoking processes and gradually break your addiction this way.
Make use of substitutes (no that doesn’t mean over-indulging in chocolate) but you can use sugar free gum as opposed to lighting up. It really will help you to combat any withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to think positive whilst these changes are taking place, you will find a real pull to revert to your typical habits but dig deep and you will get there. If you are struggling to think positively about the lack of nicotine in your life, then write a list of all the reasons why you wish to give up smoking and reinforce your goals.
When any smoking withdrawals threaten to really test your reserves, don’t just try and fight it, instead get active. Go for a run or do your favourite exercises for a while and you will soon find that your need for a cigarette demises quite quickly.
Another great way to reinforce your desire to give up smoking is to consider just how much money you are going to save as a result. It won’t take long before the money really starts adding up. Start making plans as to how you would like to spend it, a luxury holiday, a weekend spa or towards a new car. Whatever your intent, make sure it is one that you can visualise with ease.
If you take on board the suggestions in this article, you will soon find that you really dent and overcome your smoking habit. Chipping away at any addiction is a good way to make healthier and positive changes in your life. But just remember, that you need to stick with your ‘quit smoking campaign’ and you will soon feel the changes and benefits.
Image:© Kirill Zdorov | Dreamstime.com
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