It does not matter how long it has been since http://www.quitguide.com/ you gave up smoking, you can never have "just one". You are a nicotine addict. While just one does not mean you will be smoking a packet a day again by morning, it will mean that you have "just one more" a lot sooner than you would like.
Remember that smoking cessation is really all about replacing one behavior with another. For most people, it is primarily the physical act of smoking that is the major draw. It signifies "me time" and a break from a hectic schedule or a boring job. Choose ahead of time exactly what behavior you will replace those smoking minutes with, and then do it!
If you're trying to stop smoking, try quitting cold turkey. This method is the easiest in the long run. While this may seem a lot more difficult when you are starting out, it is much easier than stringing your self along. Be honest with your self and commit to the quit and you will be off cigarettes fairly easily.
To cut back on smoking cravings, change the habits that once surrounded smoking. For example, if you always smoked on your breaks then see if you can get your breaks at a different time to make it harder to succumb to those cravings. Likewise, if you always had a cigarette with coffee then switch to a new caffeine fix like tea.
Looking at a picture of smoker's lungs may be all you need to stop smoking. When a person smokes, their lungs turn black after a while and they could end up with lung cancer. As harsh as it may seem, viewing the picture may set off a signal in your brain to quit.
As bad as your urge is, it is not okay to take even one little puff. People who are trying to stop smoking believe that it will not harm them to have one puff of a cigarette. The problem is, this one puff leads to one whole cigarette, and then to one whole pack.
Talk to your doctor about prescription medicines. If you want to ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms, consider prescription medications. There are certain medications that affect the chemical balance in your brain and can help reduce cravings. There are also drugs that can reduce bothersome withdrawal symptoms, like inability to concentrate or depression.
Commit to quitting. Individuals who are able to successfully stop smoking commit themselves fully. They don't have a back up plan, they don't keep quitting a secret, and they don't tell themselves that they will fail. If you make this type of commitment you will significantly increase your chances of successfully meeting your goal.
Increasing the amount of exercise you do can help you stop smoking. Exercise not only distracts you from smoking, but it also helps to reverse all the damage you have done to your body over the years by smoking cigarettes. Start slowly if you have to, and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do each day.
Don't worry if you have a relapse. It's not uncommon for a smoker to try multiple times to quit before they succeed. Always think about what made you relapse, and try to avoid that situation in the future. Decide on a new day to quit, prepare yourself, and stick with it.
Many smokers have certain triggers that create the sudden need for a cigarette, such as feeling stressed, ending a meal, or being at a certain location. When you are best trying to quit, avoid these triggers if you can. If you can't avoid them, come up with some way to distract yourself from the need to smoke.
Learn and use positive mantras. Tell yourself that you're strong and powerful and that you can quit. Let yourself know that you believe in yourself and that you know you will be successful. When you make positive mantras such as these, a part of your life, success will follow. This is as true for quitting smoking as it is for every other aspect of your life.
Use visualization in order to assist you in quitting your smoking habit. When doing deep breathing exercises, shut your eyes, and imagine yourself being a non-smoker. Imagine yourself not giving in to temptation. Imagine winning a medal for not smoking. These types of programs, referred to as "stop smoking hypnosis," are extremely effective.
In order to quit, you must believe that you can do it. While the physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms of smoking are difficult, your brain is the most important item in your fight. You must be able to work past your cravings and that fight is all mental. Believe that you can do it and you will see success.
If you are trying to quit with the use of crutches such as patches and medication, then you need to be careful. When you begin taking in these other substances, you are in turn putting yourself at risk of developing a new dangerous addiction. Be careful when you begin your quitting crutches.
You can enjoy a regular exercise routine instead of smoking. As your body heals from the damage you have done when you smoked, you will notice the difference! As your body becomes stronger and more fit, you will be hesitant to undo all of that hard work by smoking a cigarette.
If you decide to use a specific, dedicate program to help you stop smoking, remember that the more intense ones will have a much higher chance of success. This is not something that you can approach with a half-hearted effort. Counseling sessions or group therapy should be consistent, lasting at least 30 minutes and over a period of two weeks minimum.
As was previously said, quitting smoking is not an overnight process. There is not, unfortunately, an on/off switch when it comes to this habit. But it can achieved with some patience, perseverance, and a lot of faith. One day at a time and soon you will be proudly announcing to all that you are a non-smoker.
