Smoking a cigarette gives you a relaxed feeling and a short-term burst of energy. But this also comes at the expense of your lungs. Your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer rises when you smoke. Smoking it is not an easy habit to break due to the addictive effect that nicotine has on the body. But it is possible, and you can do it without having to rely on the use of drugs.
Step 1
Eliminate all the temptations. Get rid of all the cigarettes, matches, lighters and other paraphernalia associated with smoking. Look through your cupboards, dresser drawers, glove compartment and office desk for any items that can cause a relapse, and throw them all away.
Step 2
Avoid locations where you used to smoke. This might be bars, clubs, restaurants or social events. Occupy your time going to places where no smoking is allowed, like the library, the theater or a museum. This can also keep your mind occupied on other things.
Step 3
Avoid bad influences. If you used to smoke around certain company, stay away from these people to avoid the urge to smoke. Also avoid a crowd of people that are smoking, such as at work.
Step 4
Stay away from alcohol. Alcohol can lower your inhibitions and may make you think that having "just one" cigarette is OK. Especially avoid drinking if you got into a habit of having a few drinks and smoking cigarettes when you used to smoke.
Step 5
Use substitutions. Smoking is not only a chemical dependency, but it is also a physical one. When you are smoking, you are constantly making a hand-to-mouth motion which can become an oral fixation. Use flavored toothpicks to satisfy this feeling. Alternatively, chew gum or suck on hard candies to satisfy your oral fixation.
Step 6
Get daily exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity can help distract you from tobacco cravings and reduce the intensity of cravings. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day, and do something that you find enjoyable. Examples include running, weight training, walking, biking and hiking.
Step 7
Get acupuncture. Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of tiny needles into several meridian points on your body to reduce symptoms of certain ailments and conditions. Talk to a local acupuncturist about getting treatment for quitting smoking.
