8 Clever Tips For Quitting Smoking Once & For All

There are numerous reasons why it makes sense not to smoke, yet many people find it difficult to quit the habit. The nicotine is the problem, as smokers experience withdrawal symptoms only a few hours after their last cigarette. It's therefore extremely tough to beat the addiction, but we've come up with 8 tips that'll make giving up a little easier. Hopefully, your "final cigarette" will actually be your last...

1. Set A Date

Smoker

Whether it's the start of a new year or in the middle of the week, people who want to stop smoking should set a date on which to officially quit. Having a quitting date can help you mentally with the withdrawal process and motivate you to build on your smoking-free days.

2. Write A List Of Reasons

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Once the date is set, it makes sense to think about the reasons why you want to stop. Whether it's to save some money or for your health, write these reasons down and take a look at the list every time you get the urge to smoke. This should help you stay on the right path.

3. Identify Triggers

Gail Benzler

To be able to quite smoking in the long-term, it's necessary to identify key triggers. In which situations do you reach for the cigarettes? Parties and alcohol are the most common triggers. In the future, you should try to avoid situations that you connect with smoking and replace them with positive habits.

4. Think About The Savings

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Another common reason for quitting is the money you can save. We recommend coming up with a plan for what to do with the savings. A short break somewhere? New clothes? You should treat yourself for showing such great discipline! You can work out how much money you'll save using this online calculator.

5. Distract Yourself From Urges

Music - Train Travels

The urge for a cigarette usually lasts for about 5 minutes. That's why it's a good idea to think of 5-minute strategies to fill this time instead of reaching for the smokes. For example, you could listen to your favorite song, snack on some fruit or take a stroll until the urge to smoke goes away.

6. Get Active

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Being active has many benefits. As well as providing distraction from lighting up, exercise does a lot for your health in general. Doing sports will also help combat any unwanted weight gain, which is a common side effect of quitting smoking.

7. Spend Time With Non-Smokers

Christine and Amy came

Spending time with friends who don't smoke can help a lot during the withdrawal process. If you're often seeing people with a cigarette in their hand, you're more likely to want one. It might also be worth asking friends who smoke to refrain from doing so while they're in your company. Another tactic is to give up smoking with a friend — a problem shared is a problem halved!

8. Use Nicotine Gum & Patches

Quitter - Day 152

When it comes to withdrawal symptoms, the beginning is always the hardest part. As the nicotine levels in your blood sink, you may feel more nervous, irritable and hungry than usual. In this instance, it may be best to try nicotine gum and patches, so that your body is slowly weened off the drug.

Quitting smoking is far from easy. But if you manage to beat the habit, you can improve your way of life and make some considerable savings. Though some of these tricks might not work for you, it's certainly worth giving them a try!

Source:

nicorette

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