subject: How To Quit Smoking Step By Step [print this page] We are all aware of how dangerous nicotine addiction is to our health, how it can cause lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, and death. If you are a smoker and you would like to stop smoking, try to apply the simple steps that we will present to you in this short article.
First Step Decide on a time frame and how many cigarettes you will smoke in a day. You cannot just stop smoking in one day because you will eventually crave for it. For instance, if you are smoking 15-20 cigarettes a day, you need to decide on lessening the number of cigarettes you smoke. This will be good to counter your smoking addiction, because you have a very realistic approach. Lets say you decide to smoke just about 10 cigarettes a day for a week. At the end of the week, give yourself a reward for the job well done.
Second Step Find a support group. If on the second or third week, you are finding it very difficult to smoke less, tell your family and friends about your plan. Be sure to tell them everything so that they can support you all the way. If you want, you can also choose to join a local group for people whose goal is to stop smoking. Together, you can motivate each other and exchange tips on how to stop smoking.
Third Step Keep a journal of your progress. It is good to check how you are doing. If you are not doing ok on a certain day, it will be evident on your journal. You should also take notes on what triggers you to smoke more. This journal will be your guide on what are the reasons why you smoke, and when are the times when you want to smoke.
Last Step Prepare yourself for withdrawal symptoms because your smoking addiction and all forms of addiction definitely has a few withdrawal symptoms. You need to be ready for this. This will last for a few weeks. All you will have to do is not to give in to your cravings.
While putting a halt to your smoking addiction may not be an easy task, and sometimes you might have to fail a few times before you finally succeed, remember that you are doing this for you to have better health. Focusing on the health benefits will keep you motivated. When you feel like giving up, take heart and just remember the prize that awaits you better health.