Solutions to Quit Smoking

When it comes to quitting smoking, every smoker's battle is different. Whether you miss the nicotine or the physical routine of smoking, leaving your cigarettes behind you is not at all easy. Although withdrawal symptoms are common, your personal path to a smoke-free life will be unlike anyone else's. Find ways to remain positive, and keep encouraging yourself.

Deciding to Quit

• Smokers have one grave statistic in common: around 8.6 million of them have at least one serious illness due to smoking, according to the American Lung Association. But that, along with the almost half a million deaths caused by smoking every year, is often not enough to convince a smoker to quit. Smoking is an addiction---one of the worst---so deciding to quit is half the battle. The first step is picking a date to quit, and sticking to it. The date does not have to be tomorrow; it could be a month (or several months) away. Start with picking a date, and hold yourself to it.

Your First Smoke-Free Day

• Choosing a date and throwing away the pack is just the beginning. Now congratulate yourself for taking the first big step. Go out with friends to celebrate, and bask in the glory of their pride in your decision. Should you still have a few friends who smoke, encourage them to join your new-found freedom from cigarettes. Chances are they will be supportive of your decision. If not, make it clear that this is your new lifestyle.

  Over the next few weeks, keep track of your progress by setting milestone mini-celebrations. At one week, buy yourself a gift. At two weeks, update your online profile to let the world know you are smoke-free, or send a group email to your entire contact list. It's not exactly shouting it from a mountaintop, but it is a way to get the word out.

  Continue to stay positive: tell yourself that you have this thing beat, and tell everyone you know that you have quit. Pats on the back for your decision never get old.

Reality Sets In

• A day may come when you will have to face the facts: you quit smoking, and it is hard. The need for nicotine may start to make your skin crawl.

  Make sure all ashtrays and signs of smoking are out of your house, office or car. Don't allow friends and family members to smoke in your presence. Temptation and the availability of cigarettes can lead to a relapse.

  Consciously fill the time you would spend smoking with another activity. If sitting around watching television makes you feel like smoking, do push-ups or sit-ups instead, take a walk or jump rope. Anything that gets your adrenaline pumping will help negate the craving.

  For many, eating is the first response to a nicotine craving, as it satisfies that habitual hand motion and keeps the mouth occupied. This is perfectly fine, as long as celery, carrots or low-fat items are your foods of choice. Keep it in perspective: if you eat chocolate cake every time you want to smoke, you are trading one unhealthy habit for another.

  A big incentive to quit is the money you save. Drop 30 cents into a jar every time you want to smoke and resist the urge. As the money builds up, you'll see visible results of your good decision.

  If cravings become unbearable, a quitting aid may help. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about smoking cessation methods suitable for you and your lifestyle. Gums, patches and medications are available to help you remain a non-smoker.

  Measure your success by using a calendar to keep track of the days you go without smoking. Every smoke-free day is a better day for you, your health and your pocketbook.