Quitting smoking can be a difficult feat, especially for those who have smoked for many years. Failed attempts may cause some individuals to lose hope; however, the Mayo Clinic suggests many people fail their first try and should not give up. New resources, medications and the many restrictions on public smoking may make the habit easier to break. Combining various methods may also be key for some smokers. Those who manage to hang up the habit may need to replace their former routine with alternative practices, such as a hobby.
Action Plan
The road to success often requires a map. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who want to succeed at quitting smoking should make an action plan. This plan requires a few steps: getting support and planning for challenges. Supporters may help you become accountable for your actions and give you the push to stay on the right track. Friends, family, support groups and counselors can all give support. Facing challenges with an action plan may require some forethought and strategy. Patronizing non-smoking restaurants, chewing gum after meals and meeting smoker friends at smoke-free places, such as a theater or a mall instead of old hang-outs, are examples of strategies. The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping handy a list of your reasons to stay smoke-free, and then reading it when the urge arises.
Stress Management
Stress can spur many individuals to smoke. Finding alternatives to manage stress may help reduce the desire to light up. Exercise, massage therapy and getting creative with a hobby may be beneficial. According to the Mayo Clinic, relaxation techniques can reduce stress symptoms by lowering blood pressure, slowing the heart and breathing rate, increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension and pain, improving concentration and reducing feelings of anger or frustration. These techniques may give you the confidence to resist smoking.
Medications, Smoking Aids
Medications and smoking aids, such as nicotine patches, gum and other products, can help take the edge off cravings. According to the Mayo Clinic, smokers who want to quit have several medications to choose from. Chantix (a prescription smoke aid) works by blocking the effect that nicotine has on your brain, making it easier for some to quit smoking. Nicotine gum and patches offer smokers a shot of nicotine to help wean them from their habit.
