Smoking is an addictive habit that affects every area of your life --- including your social relationships, sleeping habits and overall health. While quitting smoking often seems difficult or impossible, following a few proven tips for success can help you quickly put the habit in your past and start on the road to wellness.
Step 1
Set a firm quit date. Your chances for quickly putting tobacco in your past rise when you determine a quit date in advance. Select a date in the near future so you won't be tempted to change your mind.
Step 2
Prepare for battle. Clean your home, vehicles and workspace of any cigarettes and ashtrays, and stock up on tobacco substitutes like sugar-free gum, toothpicks or hard candy.
Step 3
Seek your doctor's input. While some people choose to quit smoking cold turkey or without any assistance, others benefit from the help of nicotine replacement products, such as gums, patches or prescription medications, that reduce the severity of smoking withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can help you determine which solution best fits your lifestyle and overall health condition.
Step 4
Select a role model. Let your family and friends know your quit date, and ask them to help you by not smoking near you and keeping cigarettes out of sight. A friend who has successfully quit smoking is often an effective mentor.
Step 5
Burn some calories. Regularly exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week will benefit your overall health and will also give you less time to think about cigarettes. Walking, biking and swimming are healthy forms of aerobic exercise.
Step 6
Shake up your routine. Smokers who quit typically find that little things throughout the day remind them of the habit --- even driving to work, going to a certain restaurant or watching television. Improve your chances for success by driving a different path or developing new, healthy habits, such as skipping a favorite hangout to spend a few hours at the library or movies instead.
Step 7
Limit your alcohol consumption. Drinking beer and other alcohol will hinder your chances of quickly ending your smoking habit. Plan in advance to consume plenty of water and juice.
Step 8
Overpower the urge. Use a delay tactic to deal with the inevitable temptation to smoke. Tell yourself you can smoke after waiting 15 minutes and the urge will likely pass.
Tips and Warnings
- While taking prescription medications is an effective method to quit smoking quickly, you'll need to start taking some medications at least a week prior to your quit date to ensure the effects begin when you need them most.
- If your attempts to quit smoking have been unsuccessful in the past, be honest with yourself about why you failed. Look at what might have tempted you to resume the bad habit, and aim to avoid those triggers this time around.
Things You'll Need
- Sugar-free gum
- Toothpicks
- Hard candy
- Nicotine replacement products
- Water and juice
