Giving up smoking is not easy but do it with a friend, make a plan and start.
Find a Friend
Quitting alone is more difficult than quitting with a friend as this reaffirms and reinforces good behaviour
Set a Date
Chose a suitable day and date to become a non-smoker a day when there will be no stress. Tell family, friends, and colleagues be firm in refusing any offered cigarettes.
But stick to the decision and see it through. On the appointed day crush all the cigarettes on or around you, then throw them away.
Think as a Non-smoker
Be positive from the start, think as a non-smoker not an ex-smoker. When someone offers a cigarette politely say, "No thanks, I don't smoke.”
Replace the Cigarette
Part of the smoking habit is having something to do with your hands. The cigarette and smoking paraphernalia, handling the packet and lighter gives a sense of tactile pleasure, keep hands occupied by replacing the cigarette with a packet of extra-strong mini mints, or a set of `worry beads' are useful substitutes.
Habits
Not only is smoking a habit, but certain situations may encourage that habit; in the pub, at a dinner or lunch, having a coffee break in the office. At certain times of the day, breakfast or last thing at night, or during periods of boredom.
Avoidance
Avoid situations that encourage `lighting up'. Don’t become a hermit, or a recluse, but merely to be aware of these situations this is often all that is needed.
Use Aids
There are many aids to help you kick the habit, false cigarettes that provide a nicotine boost. Patches and gums that do the same thing, use them but do not let them rule your life like tobacco did.
Weight Gain
Many people complain that they gain weight after giving up; this may be because smoking decreases the appetite and dulls the taste. So an increase in appetite and a renewed pleasure in eating are to be expected. Eat fruit not chocolates or confectionary.
Exercise More
Exercise more just taking a brisk 20-minute walk around the local park. Leaving the car at a car park and walking the extra few meters to the office, or just simply walking up the final three or four flights to the office.
Relapsed then don't despair, it does not mean failure there is no limit to the amount of times a person can give up smoking. As the saying goes “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.”
Why People Smoke
- Feelings of stress, being upset, angry or frustrated
- As a reward to `enjoy' life more
- Social pressure and feeling part of a crowd
- Habit, used to smoking while doing other things
- Feeding the craving for nicotine.
Withdrawal Symptoms Include
- Cravings
- Headaches
- coughing.
These are signs that the body is adjusting to a new inner environment and is becoming more healthy, help it along – go for a walk..
The four D's
Four Ways to Avoid a Cigarette Even for the Desperate
- Delay: for a few minutes and the urge will pass
- Drink Water: sip it slowly
- Deep Breather: take three slow, deep breaths
- Do something mind occupying.
