10/17/2013

Before starting your quit smoking journey, I want to convince you that you will more effectively use any method of quitting if you reflect and identify your core values. If your core value is to maintain good health so that you can be active and exercise, keep this in your mind and it will be easier for you to ignore cigarettes. If you want to be healthy so you can see your children grow up, keep this in your mind, and it will help you quit.



If you can, get help from a local stop smoking program or support group that includes either one on one or group counseling. These groups can double your chance of success, giving you the encouragement to bolster your strength.



Let your friends and family know that you are quitting, and reach out to them when you need help. Many smokers use cigarettes as their support, and as you can guess, this is not exactly the best method. Cigarettes harm, not help. Human beings, especially friends and family, make a much better support group than a pack of cigarettes.



If you miss holding a cigarette, or having one in your mouth all the time, try other things like toothpicks or lollipops, or even carrot or celery sticks. Hold a pen or pencil instead of a cigarette, if that's the feeling you'll miss.



Pick up a hobby to keep your mind and your hands busy. Maybe crossword puzzles will work for you. Instead of smoking a cigarette, clean out your closet or your room. Keep yourself busy with productive chores that you'll need to do anyway, and see the benefit to your daily schedule that quitting smoking creates.



Avoid the typical triggers that remind you of smoking. For example, if you usually smoke a cigarette with your coworkers during a coffee break, skip it. Take a walk instead, or read a book or magazine. Habits can be broken. Cigarette smoking is a habit in addiction to being an addiction. You can do it.



When a craving hits, close your eyes and count slowly from zero to ten. Take a deep breath with each count. If you have to, call a friend or take a walk, even if it's just out to your lawn. The trick is to find some kind of diversion until you no longer stop craving.



Keep healthy foods within your reach, especially if you're concerned about gaining weight from not smoking. Celery and carrot sticks will not only keep your hands busy but they will also help you deal with the extra hunger. Remember to drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruit often.



Remember to exercise. Not only will it help you fight against weight gain, but it will keep you calm. It's probably the best way to keep your hands and your mind busy, as you'll be working toward that goal of improved health. Exercise will support your quitting smoking efforts in many ways.



If seeing other people smoke makes you want to smoke, you need to stop and make a switch mentally. Instead of thinking of the great time the smokers appear to be having, think about how those cigarettes are inundating their bodies with thousands of toxins, how the smoke is burning their lungs, and all the increased chances of heart and lung disease. Think about how much they spend every day for an addiction that's completely unnecessary.



Reconnect with yourself and your core values. Use these values to strengthen yourself and your resolve to quit.
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