subject: Practical and Easy Ways to Quit Smoking by:James Tilbury [print this page] Plenty of reasons explain why people should quit smoking. The most obvious reason is that smoking is harmful to a smoker's heath as well as non-smokers who inhale the smoke. Also known as second-hand smoker, this nonsmoker could be your child, parent, or spouse. Would you want them to suffer from the ill effects of your smoking? It pays to quit smoking early on than postponing it so that you don't compromise your health, as well as that of your loved ones.
It is hard to break the addiction to nicotine. But the willingness to curb the unhealthy habit is strongly recommended so that smokers can prevent the risk of heart and lung diseases, thereby extending their lives by as much as 15 years. How do smokers quit this extremely hazardous habit? There are practical and easy ways to quit smoking. A smoker just needs to focus on that goal for a healthier and worry-free life.
Before you start with the quitting process, ask yourself if you really want to curb your addiction. Make sure that your reasons for quitting are strong enough to discourage you from smoking when the craving starts to kick in. You must also understand the reasons why you smoke. This will help you determine why you need to stop smoking. Next, set a target date for quitting smoking. Select a date that is the least stressful but at the same time a busy day for you, thus keeping your mind away from smoking. It is ideal to set the date two weeks after you have started lessening your cigarette consumption. Rather than resorting to the cold turkey way of quitting smoking, do it gradually. Quitting cold turkey entails stopping your smoking abruptly. Although quitting cold turkey is very popular, it is the hardest way to stop smoking. It works only for smokers with a very strong will to break their addiction.
You can also seek help from a doctor. Ask your doctor what drugs can help you stop your cigarette cravings. You can also seek advice about issues concerning smoking cessation such as weight gain and withdrawal symptoms.
If you have friends or coworkers who are also willing to stop smoking, then make them your quitting partners. Your quitting partners will serve as your support network. They can help a lot especially in reminding you to focus on your goal. In turn, you can help them quit smoking.
Of course, your home is the best place to find unconditional love and support. Let your family know that you are planning to quit smoking. Your parents or siblings can provide you with advice and constant reminders when time comes you strongly crave for a puff.
Most importantly, have a healthy and balanced diet as well as regular exercise. Following a rigid diet and exercise plan can greatly reduce stress levels aside from making you feel invigorated. Thus, maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle through proper diet and exercise leads to less smoking cravings.
These easy ways to quit smoking, when done faithfully and consistently, will result in your healthier and more active well-being.
About the author
James Tilbury is an ex smoker who now spends his time helping others to quit the nasty habit in the easiest way he can. You can find out more about the easiest way to quit smoking at http://www.easytoquit.co.uk