Cigarette smoking is addictive, both physically and mentally. Although over 20 percent of people world-wide smoke cigarettes, according to The American Cancer Society, many people are able to quit smoking for good. Medications are available to help you break the physical addiction, but it is up to you to break your mental addiction. Before you quit, follow these tips so that you are mentally prepared to quit permanently.
Define Your Reasons
In order to successfully quit, you need to define why you are quitting. Think about why you want to stop smoking and write the reasons down. Many people want to quit smoking for health reasons, as quitting has many benefits for your overall health and wellness. Maybe you are quitting for someone else who cares about you or maybe you are sick of feeling like cigarettes control your life.
Money is another reason people quit--add up all the money you spend on packs of cigarettes per year and think of other things you could buy with that. Write down your reasons and post them somewhere where they will serve as a reminder for you as you quit. Then make a list of all of the things you look forward to doing when you have stopped smoking cigarettes and refer to this list often once you have stopped. For example, you may be looking forward to taking up a new sport or you may want to spend your cigarette money on a vacation.
Set a Date
The New York State Smoker's Quitline recommends you mentally prepare yourself for quitting by setting a quit date. Just as there are set dates for other important events, such as a work deadline, a party or wedding, you should pick a date that you are going to quit and stick to it. This way you have time to mentally prepare yourself to quit. Some people find it helpful to pick a date that already has some significance to them, such as their birthday or a loved one's birthday.
Visualize Other Activities
It will be easier for you to transition from smoker to non-smoker if you mentally prepare yourself by visualizing yourself doing activities that do not involve smoking. Ayurvedic Help recommends you consider when you are most likely to be tempted to have a cigarette. Think about when you normally smoke and what habits or activities you usually associate with smoking. Then think about things you could do or think you can do instead.
For example, if you always smoke while you are watching television, visualize yourself drinking tea during this time instead and start doing it. If some of your friends smoke, practice declining cigarettes from them or explaining to them that you are quitting. Think about suggesting new activities you want to enjoy with these friends in places where none of you can smoke, such as in a restaurant or museum.
