Steps To Quit Smoking
The battle with nicotine addiction is not one that one can just wake up one day, throw away their cigarette and call it quits. It requires some level of concerted effort and commitment to quitting. Here are the systematic steps to quit smoking.
Steps to follow
Set a particular date for quitting
Picking on a particular day, either days or weeks ahead is important because it helps one to have psychological preparation. Avoid picking on a day that has probable possibilities of internal stress such as the beating tough timelines at work. Choose a more relaxed day such as your anniversary or any other day that is easy.
Get support from those who care
Get somebody who you can freely share with what you are planning to do. They must be people who are willing to get you through. This step is very important for accountability purposes and helps in encouragement and assessment.
Identify nicotine options
Sometimes developing behavior in chewing gum works as an alternative to smoking. There is also medication such as Chantix and Zyban that one can use to increase their chances of quitting.
Keep daily records
This can be done in a form of a journal or daily notes. The notes should contain the action you took and its outcome. This helps to identify what works best for you and what you should avoid. Capitalizing on what works best doubles the chances of succeeding
Understand your triggers
Smoking triggers can be common activities that increase internal stress. This could be staying long in a traffic jam in the morning, or taking coffee. One should identify these triggers and try their level best to avoid them without using the cigar.
Change your daily routine
One should consider changing their daily routine so as to fit other alternative activities to cover for the time that is spent in smoking. This may include avoiding the places where you smoke, and even throwing away your lighter and getting involved in physical exercises
Eliminate possible relationship with a cigarette
This may involve getting rid of anything that has the smell of smoke. Throw away the remaining packets of cigarettes. This helps one to shift their focus to other things and quit falling back
Be prepared to handle relapse
Putting all the correct measures in place does not guarantee a smooth sail and easy accomplishment. One should be prepared for craving and possibilities of relapse. The key is to keep trying even when the first few days look like are not working. Consistence and persistence will make it possible.
It is important for one to understand that taking steps to quit smoking is a battle that requires resilience, commitment and persistence. Relapses do happen, and they should not be a basis to withdraw from the quitting procedure. Keep trying until it happens