subject: Beating The Mental And Physical Addictions Of Smoking [print this page] Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult things you can take on in your entire life, because it is both mentally and physically addictive. If it is a habit that you have had for many years, it becomes even more difficult to break. There are a number of ways to successfully recover from this addiction, but it involves you making a complete and total commitment to quitting.
When you want a cigarette, one of the best things that you can do instead is eat something. Misusing this method can cause extra weight gain, however, so drinking water or eating something healthy, like a piece of fruit, can be a great cigarette substitute. Quitting smoking can cause you to gain weight because your metabolism slows down, so exercising can also help keep your mind off of smoking, as well. Try not to eat excessively, but don't freak out if you gain a couple of pounds.
The want of a cigarette can also be triggered by becoming angry or stressed about something. Reaching for a cigarette may seem like the answer for your current problem, but you should realize that the cigarette isn't going to solve anything. Addressing the fact that the cigarette isn't going to fix anything is the first thing that you need to do if anger is a big smoking trigger for you. Recognizing that you have a problem with anger can also help here.
Depression can soon set in as you attempt to quit smoking, since it can seem like you are losing an old friend. No matter how dear you may hold this old friend, keep reminding yourself that this particular old friend is eventually going to kill you. Leaving it behind is the best thing that you can do for you and for the people you care about.
Being tired can also affect the amount that you smoke. Nicotine is a stimulant and while some people use it to relax, it's actually a stimulant. Find something else that you can do to relax when you get tired; read a book, watch some television, play a video game. Anything to keep your mind off of getting a cigarette will help and while most people don't realize it, the craving for a cigarette only lasts a few minutes and if you can get through that, you're home free until another one of your triggers comes along.
