subject: Five Tips To Help You Stop Smoking [print this page] Although smoking is a lifestyle choice, and people are free to make the decision to smoke, most medical experts would agree that doing so is highly dangerous for your health. This is why many people every year decide that is best if they try to give up for the benefit of themselves and those around them.
Everyone has different tips on the best ways to quit smoking, and these are helpful as it often takes smokers many attempts before they finally kick the habit. They can point you in the right direction so your quitting is permanent.
These five tips should definitely be taken into consideration if you want to give up smoking for good:
1) There are other ways to deal with stress. Many people smoke cigarettes to conquer stress or feelings of anxiety. You should consider other ways of dealing with these emotions rather than smoking. Going on a holiday, taking a break from work or even just going for a walk or spending time with family are beneficial ways to keep you away from the next pack of 20.
2) Learn how withdrawal symptoms might affect you. Common symptoms include headaches, feeling sick or gaining weight as well as feeling jittery and anxious. Try to learn about how best to suppress these feelings and to get through the worst. It is important that you know that you may experience several of these symptoms, but most will stop within 2-3 weeks, even if this does feel like a very long time.
3) Write down why you think you should stop. Having a copy of the reasons why it would be beneficial to stop can act as a reminder during the harder times. The most important one is probably to help your family, as passive smoking is a very big problem. Keep the list with you at all times so that you can look at it if you feel the need for a cigarette.
4) Talk to your doctor first. Your GP's support is vital and can increase your chances of getting through the worse parts of quitting smoking. They can suggest health services that can help you with your plans to quit, especially if you are tempted by cigarettes far too easily.
5) Get the support of your friends and family. Tell your loved ones of your intentions to quit, and make it sound serious. Then, if you do end up slipping up, they will see and try to persuade you to stop again. Talk to a close friend or relative when you feel the urge to smoke, as their support is likely to help you through the hardest of times.
Stopping smoking is an important choice to make. Quitting can really help improve the quality of life of yourself and those around you.
