Wanna Quit Smoking? Here are Few Steps for a Healthier Life Without Cigarettes

For most cigarette smokers the urges to smoke are really powerful. Therefore, when the urge strikes it is quite unbearable. Most smokers have tried or want to stop smoking. But that is not an easy thing to do and it takes a lot of will power and support from others to overcome smoking addiction. Here are a few steps that will make your journey to a healthier life easier.

You Must Stick to the Plan

If you want to stop smoking you will need to have a plan. By having a plan you will be able to stay focused, motivated and confident that you can do it and that you are better off without it. If you don't have a plan it is never too late to create one. But keep in mind that there is no plan that will work for everyone. You must be honest about your needs. Think about what your replacement therapy will be. Some people get nicotine patches or gum and some go with e-cigarette starter kits to help them stay away from nicotine.

Get Support

But if you just can't do it on your own, you can simply get support, because you don't have to do it alone. There is no better time to lean on positive people than when overcoming an addiction. They don't have to be professional, it can be anyone that you can ask them for support which you will need during the first few days. Another important thing that you need to do is tell your friends and family that you have quit smoking. That way they will know not to trigger you by smoking, talking about it or having ashtrays or anything that can trigger the urge to smoke.

If you are not comfortable sharing your road to recovery with family or close friends as well as uncomfortable with doing in person you can try out a text message program. It is simple and everyone who owns a phone can do it. On the other hand, if you don't want to be in a program, you can join an online group of people who understand what you are going through.

Avoid Any Triggers

Strongest urges for smoking a cigarette will be when you are surrounded by people who are smoking or find yourself in a situation where smoking is a way of relieving stress. Identify those situations and do your best to stay away from them as much as possible. There is nothing harder than setting yourself up for failure. Do your best to avoid all the things that will get the urge to smoke at least in the first few weeks when it's the hardest.

Take a 10 Minute Pause

When you feel the urge to smoke, it is best to tell yourself to wait 10 minutes and then start doing something that will keep your brain and hands occupied and the craving will go away. Try to surround yourself by places where you can't smoke so it doesn't even cross your mind in the first place.

Practice Simple Relaxation Techniques

Most people who smoke do it as a way of relieving stress. So when you are taking away something that helps you cope with stress, you are creating even more stress. But you can overcome that. If you are not the type for yoga and meditations you can do simple things like listening to music that makes you feel relaxed or having a massage.

Have Things to Chew On

Along with being a way to de-stress many people need to have something in their mouths because they are so used to having a cigarette in their mouths. Have things like gum, hard candy, vegetables or anything that is crunchy and it satisfies that need even if it means chewing on the end of your sunglasses.

Never Have 'Just One'

There is nothing that will set you back and demotivate you than not being able to resist the urge and smoking one cigarette. Because let's be honest once you have one you won't stop again. You have to push through it and fight the urge.

You Must Get Physical

There is nothing that will keep your mind off smoking that being physically active. Even if they are little bursts of physical energy they will do the job. It doesn't need to be anything intense, it can be something as simple as walking up and down the stairs a couple of times. But if you are ready for something more intense start going on walks and jogs and then start running.

Keep Reminding Yourself of the Benefits

Try to write down all the benefits of not smoking anymore. Then once a day read them outlets to yourself. They can be something as simple as just feeling better or saving money. That will motivate you to contribute.

Keep in mind that just trying to fight the urge is better than doing nothing and smoking. Every time that you beat a craving you are one step closer to not smoking anymore.