Quick Quit Smoking Tips To Help You Stop Smoking Now! - Nurse's Guide

In the following article I'll share some easy ways to quit smoking that are easy to use. Tips for when you're getting ready to quit, tips for the day you quit and tips for not starting up after you've quit. These tips have worked for many former smokers.

Tips For Getting Ready To Quit Smoking

First of all, getting ready to quit is important.  You should set a date for quitting. Make it a day when you'll be busy and preferably in a situation where your hands will be busy.  Find a friend who will quit along with you.

Pay attention to when you smoke.  Determine or think about why you smoke. Figure out the situations in your daily routine that you do while smoking (such as drinking a cup of coffee or tea or driving your car, reading the daily newspaper, etc.)

Try to change your current smoking routine, for example put your cigarettes in a different place or smoke with the hand you don't usually use. Try to smoke without doing anything else. Give some serious thought as to how you feel when you smoke. Smoke only in places you designate such as outdoors only.

When you feel the urge for a cigarette, wait a few minutes before you light up. Try to think of something you can do instead of smoking; for example chew gum, drink a glass of water or keep both of your hands busy on the computer or on a project. Buy only one pack of cigarettes at a time and switch to a brand of cigarettes you know you don't like.

Tips for The Day You Quit Smoking

Get rid of all your cigarettes; if possible do it the night before. Get rid of all your ashtrays, matches, lighters or any other smoking paraphernalia.

Change your morning routine so you do things a different way. When you eat breakfast, sit in a different place at your table. Keep busy, keep busy, keep busy.

When you feel the urge to smoke, immediately do something else instead. Focus on at least one affirmation or positive thought that you've written down in advance to think about and repeat to yourself. Carry items with you at all times to put in your mouth, such as a piece of gum, a piece of hard candy, handful of nuts, banana, an orange or tangerine to peel or a toothpick.

Keep your hands busy. Use the computer, take up knitting or take up painting or any other hobby that will keep both hands working on something.

Make sure to reward yourself at the end of the day for not smoking. See a movie, go out to eat and enjoy a great salad or visit a non-smoking friend, for example.

Tips for Staying Smoke-Free

You shouldn't worry if you're sleepier or more short-tempered than you usually are because the feelings will pass. Try to exercise every day.  Take a short or long walk when you feel the urge to smoke.  Go to the club and work out, play tennis or golf or ride a bike.

Make a list of all the positive things you can think of about stopping smoking, such as how much you like yourself as a non-smoker, the health benefits for you and your family, the example you set for others around you who smoke and that your hair, clothes and breath will no longer have the smell of smoke for example.  Keep a positive attitude to help you through the rough days.

When you feel stressed out or tense, try to keep busy and think about ways to solve the problem.  Tell yourself that smoking won't make it better and focus on or do something else. Make sure to eat regular meals and try not to let yourself get hungry. Keep fruit handy for snacks.  Try new fruits as an adventure. Feeling hungry is sometimes mistaken for the desire or urge to smoke.

Start a quart-size money jar and deposit the money you save by not buying any cigarettes. Make a plan for what you'll do with it each week or month.

Tell others you know that you've quit smoking. Most people will be happy for you and support you. Many of your friends who smoke may want to know how you managed to quit. It's always good to talk to others about quitting smoking.

If you slip up and have a cigarette, don't get discouraged. Many former smokers say they tried to stop several times before they finally were able to quit. Quit again. Every time you quit you'll be closer to quitting forever. These are like rehearsals and your health benefits each time because it gives your body a chance to heal.

If you feel you need professional help, see your naturopathic doctor first. He or she may be able to suggest some natural alternatives or options.  Try to not to use 'quit smoking' aids to help you break your addiction to cigarettes. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches should only be used as a last resort.  However they may or may not help you break your addiction to nicotine.

Try to avoid using any 'quit smoking' pills, medicines, medications or drugs. They may be harmful, have side effects, cause adverse reactions or have addictive qualities.

If you have a hard time sticking to your plan try to find a support group locally or online so you can share your feelings and experiences. With these quit smoking tips you should be well on your way to working up a plan to breathe free again. Smoking cessation is the goal. You can do it! Thousands before you have done it! Quit Smoking Now

 copyright©2008 J. Johanson All rights reserved. No pemission is given to copy or reproduce this article in any way or in any form.