Cigarettes are smoked by more than a billion people worldwide. It causes many health problems, some of them potentially fatal - for example lung cancer and heart disease. It is also an expensive habit. How many more reasons do you need to give up? Here, anyhow, are four tips that could help you to kick the habit.
Tip 1: Rise above the cravings
Many of us use cigarettes as crutches, "something to do with my hands". You need to visualise yourself in everyday situations without a cigarette in your hand, this is a simple technique that can really help. You should also try taking deep breaths when you are hit by cravings, and keep busy. Sort out all those household or office tasks that you have been putting off, and you will have less time to think about smoking.
Tip 2: All the reasons to quit
You need to work out why you want to quit, what the benefits of giving up smoking would be, and write it all down. Maybe you don't like the smell of stale smoke on your clothes. Maybe you are worried that your children will follow in your footsteps. Whatever it is, put pen to paper and then keep a diary of how you are feeling, this will help you to view the situation in an objective manner.
Tip 3: The good, the bad and the ugly
Similarly, make a list of what will happen if you don't quit. You could suffer from ill health or maybe cancer. Premature death and debt or being socially ostracized by your non smoking friends can also happen to you as well as having bad breath and yellow teeth. No matter how trivial or how momentous, write it down. Once you've done this you should also remind yourself of the benefits of giving up.
Tip 4: Break time!
Many smokers stop for a cigarette so that they can take a break. You can still take breaks during the day, it's good for you, but do something that is positive, that is good for you. Eat fruit, drink water, take a walk, stop to talk with (non smoking) friends. All of these activities will have a beneficial effect on your physical and mental health and can help to strengthen your resolve to quit.
Tip 1: Rise above the cravings
Many of us use cigarettes as crutches, "something to do with my hands". You need to visualise yourself in everyday situations without a cigarette in your hand, this is a simple technique that can really help. You should also try taking deep breaths when you are hit by cravings, and keep busy. Sort out all those household or office tasks that you have been putting off, and you will have less time to think about smoking.
Tip 2: All the reasons to quit
You need to work out why you want to quit, what the benefits of giving up smoking would be, and write it all down. Maybe you don't like the smell of stale smoke on your clothes. Maybe you are worried that your children will follow in your footsteps. Whatever it is, put pen to paper and then keep a diary of how you are feeling, this will help you to view the situation in an objective manner.
Tip 3: The good, the bad and the ugly
Similarly, make a list of what will happen if you don't quit. You could suffer from ill health or maybe cancer. Premature death and debt or being socially ostracized by your non smoking friends can also happen to you as well as having bad breath and yellow teeth. No matter how trivial or how momentous, write it down. Once you've done this you should also remind yourself of the benefits of giving up.
Tip 4: Break time!
Many smokers stop for a cigarette so that they can take a break. You can still take breaks during the day, it's good for you, but do something that is positive, that is good for you. Eat fruit, drink water, take a walk, stop to talk with (non smoking) friends. All of these activities will have a beneficial effect on your physical and mental health and can help to strengthen your resolve to quit.
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