Acknowledge that quitting smoking is difficult but without
getting discouraged. Withdrawal from nicotine causes many quitters to
fail within the first week. Physical withdrawal isn't dangerous, but it
can be very unpleasant. Most smokers will be irritable. Even if you
didn't cough before, you will once you quit as your lungs take a break
and try to clean themselves out. If the days have ever seemed much
longer when you weren't smoking, that's because nicotine withdrawal
changes the way you perceive time; time does pass more slowly when you
first quit smoking! Again, this is not meant to discourage you. Instead,
use this knowledge to prepare yourself. It'll be bad, but remember that
you only want to go through it once!
Know what your triggers are
before you quit. When are you most likely to want a cigarette? While
many smokers light up in times of stress, think critically about what
causes you stress and whether or not it's just anxiety. You may be using
cigarettes to avoid other negative emotions. You won't be able to avoid
these feelings when you quit, but being prepared will help you overcome
temptation and develop new coping skills before you really need them.
Food and drink triggers should also be avoided. Alcohol is especially
dangerous for former smokers. Many people feel the urge to smoke when
they drink, and alcohol can make you forget how important quitting is to
you. Avoid your triggers whenever possible, and you won't do anything
you regret.
When you quit, throw out everything related to
smoking. Throw out all of your lighters, ashtrays, and any leftover
cigarettes. This will make it harder for you to relapse and will help
convince you that this time, you mean it! Like all smokers, you'll
probably be able to come up with a lot of excuses. You don't need to
keep an ashtray for friends who smoke; if they're your friends, they'll
understand that they shouldn't be smoking at your place while you're
trying to quit. You don't need to keep an "emergency" cigarette or two
hidden away.
It's so difficult to quit smoking because it's not
just a physical addiction. You're probably used to smoking in the car,
smoking while you wait for something, smoking after a meal, and smoking
whenever. These habits form a large part of your triggers, and you've
probably gotten used to smoking in certain situations. Using nicotine
replacement therapy can help you adjust your behavior before having to
deal with the physical addiction. No form of nicotine will give you the
same feeling as a cigarette, but it will act as a safety net.
While you
gradually lower the amount of nicotine you get each day, work on
changing your other habits.
Learn something new! Instead of
reaching for food, take up a new hobby. You can go for a walk every time
you have the urge to smoke or learn knitting and crochet. Hobbies and
crafts that use your hands can be very helpful for some smokers. Keep
your hands busy, even if it's just by doing a jigsaw puzzle, and you'll
keep yourself from reaching for a cigarette.
Quitting smoking is difficult, but it's not impossible. Just
remember to take it one day at a time, and soon you'll be a nonsmoker!
Article Source:
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