| Quitting smoking can be challenging. After all, the nicotine that cigarettes contain is a potently addictive drug. Still, it is possible.
PUT IT IN THE WRITTEN FORM.
People who would like to make a considerable change normally are more successful when they put it in writing. So, jot down all the reasons why you want to give up smoking. Have this list at hand and look at it when you feel the strong desire for a cigarette.
GETTING SUPPORT.
Smokers whose friends and family help them stop smoking are much more likely to succeed. If you don't want to tell your parents or family that you smoke, make certain your friends know, and turn to them for help.
Set a give up date. Pick out a day when you'll quit smoking. Tell your friends (and your family members, if they know you smoke) that you're going to give up smoking on that day. Just think of that day as a demarcation line between the smoking you and the new and improved nonsmoker you'll become. Mark it on your calendar.
Don't let your apartment smoky. Remove lighters, ashtrays and spring clean.
FIGURE OUT YOUR TRIGGERS
You probably know when you feel the desire light a cigarette, such as after meals, when you're at your close friend's house, while drinking coffee, or while driving. These situations are your triggers for smoking — when you're in them, it feels automatic to light as cigarette. As soon as you've figured out your triggers, try these tips:
- Avoid these situations. For example, if you smoke when you drive, get a lift to work, walk, or take the bus for a couple of weeks. If you commonly smoke after meals, make it a point to do something else after you eat, such as read or telephone a friend.
How you feel after you give up smoking will depend on how much you smoked every day and how addicted your body is to nicotine. You may crave a cigarette or feel much hungrier than usual. You may feel nervous and have difficulty in concentrating. You may cough more at first, and you may have bad headaches. These are withdrawal symptoms. They are in particular strong during the first few days after you stop smoking. Commonly most of them disappear in several weeks.
Keep in mind that even one puff of a cigarette can bring on a relapse.
Should you begin smoking again, do not give up. Set up a new stop date. Continue trying. |
