Steps For Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking may be one of the hardest things you could ever do, but it is also the most beneficial thing to do, both for your body, your mind and the friends and family around you. According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking accounts for almost 90% of lung cancer deaths each year, with secondhand smoke killing 3,000 people every year. Quitting is a mental feat, but proper preparation and preventive measures will help keep you from picking up the habit again.

Prepare Yourself

• In order to stop smoking, you have to tell yourself that you truly want to. Write down every reason you can think of to stop smoking and tack it above your desk or somewhere you will see it every day. Concentrate on these reasons. When you feel you are ready to quit, set a date 2 to 3 weeks in advance. That way you are not quitting on what feels like a whim. You will have a defined time when smoking is no longer allowed. The day before your stop smoking date, throw out all your cigarettes, lighters or anything else that will remind you of smoking. Get a good night's sleep and start fresh.

Get Support

• Tell your friends and family of your choice. If any of them smoke, ask them 2 to 3 weeks ahead to quit with you. Develop a support team that encourages your choice and that you can call on whenever you are tempted. Tell your doctor of your decision as he can give you self-help books or suggest tips to help you quit for good.

Learn to Handle Cravings

• The cravings will come sooner than you think, usually showing up as soon as the words "I will quit smoking" exit your mouth. You must be prepared for these thoughts. Determine what your habits were with smoking, such as smoking during a work break or after waking up in the morning, and supplement those habits with something else. Stay inside during the work break and talk to co-workers. Make coffee or take a longer shower in the morning. Walks, deep breaths, baths and other relaxation techniques will help soothe the cravings. When you have a bad craving, concentrate on your reasons for smoking.

Medication and Aids

• Nicotine is an addictive substance and almost everyone experiences withdrawal symptoms when the body is not receiving the usual addictive dose. You may experience headaches, nausea, intense cravings and hunger. You will feel edgy and irritable. Stop smoking aids will give your body a small dose of nicotine to keep the withdrawal symptoms at bay until you are more confident as a non-smoker. Ask your doctor about which aid or medication would be best for you.

Persevere

• You must be prepared for the possibility of a relapse. Most smokers are not successful at quitting the first time around. It takes perseverance to truly stop smoking for good. If you relapse, simply set a new stop date and begin again. Keep concentrating on your original reasons for quitting.