Quitting smoking cigarettes is a long and difficult process, but many people manage to stop. Take it one day at a time, and consider yourself victorious each day you do not smoke. You are more likely to achieve success if you quit smoking completely rather than smoke fewer cigarettes each day, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can do many things to help you stay smoke free for good.
Set a Quit Date
Pick a date to quit that makes sense and stick to it. Many smokers decide to quit on New Year's Day but often without success due to the amount of alcohol consumed during the holiday. Most smokers like to smoke when they drink, thus trying to quit on New Year's Day may be futile. Pick a quit date that does not coincide with parties or celebrations and you will be more likely to succeed, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Make a List
The more motivated you are to quit smoking, the more likely you will be successful. Perhaps you want to quit smoking to protect your family from the effects of toxic secondhand smoke, to improve your health or to avoid teaching your children bad habits. Decide your reasons for quitting smoking and write them down in a list, suggests the CDC. Refer to your list when you are tempted to smoke.
Avoid Temptation
When you initially try to quit cigarettes, avoid temptation and stay away from situations where you would normally smoke, such as bars and parties. Spend your free time in places where smoking is prohibited, such as the houses of nonsmokers, libraries, leisure centers, museums, theaters, shopping malls and churches. Spend time with nonsmokers and make your environment as smoke free as possible, suggests the American Cancer Society.
Find Substitutes
If it feels strange when you are not holding a cigarette, keep your hands occupied with a marble, a coin, a pencil or a paper clip. Replace the cigarette in your mouth with a toothpick, sugar-free chewing gum, a straw, a cocktail stirrer, a sugarless lollipop or a celery stick, notes the American Cancer Society.
Exercise
Staying active helps get rid of tension you may have when you try to quit smoking and reduces the urge to smoke. Try aerobic activities such as hiking, jogging, biking, swimming or dancing, and do more gardening, cleaning or decorating around your home, suggests the American Cancer Society.
