Stop Cigarette Smoking

Everything you need to know to stop cigarette smoking.

If you want to stop cigarette smoking, then you need to read this article. Cigarette smoking has been linked to lung cancer, emphysema, chronic cough, pneumonia, bad breath, and just plain bad health. Most people just can't quit smoking without the help of stop smoking or smoking cessation aids. Some people just don't think that they will ever be able to quit smoking for good. However, in this day and age, there are several quit smoking programs that have been successful for lots of ex-smokers, although most experts agree that the best way to quit smoking is just to stop smoking immediately.

Now, this seems obvious to a non-smoker. Non-smokers know that smoking is bad for their health and therefore will refrain from smoking. They find it repulsive and a disgusting, unhealthy habit. But, for a smoker (who really knows all of this), it really is an addiction and a habit that is very hard to quit.

Here are some quit smoking tips:
1. Pick the date and mark it on your calendar.
2. Tell friends and family about your Quit Day.
3. Get rid of all the cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
4. Stock up on oral substitutes -- sugarless gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, coffee stirrers, straws, and/or toothpicks.
5. Decide on a plan. Will you use NRT or other medicines? Will you attend a stop-smoking class? If so, sign up now.
6. Practice saying, "No thank you, I don't smoke."
7. Set up a support system. This could be a group class, Nicotine Anonymous, or a friend or family member who has successfully quit and is willing to help you. Ask family and friends who still smoke not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out where you can see them.

Some other ways to quit smoking:
1. Change your habits
2. Switch to juices or water instead of alcohol or coffee. Take a different route to work. Take a brisk walk instead of a coffee break.
3. Use substitutes you can put in your mouth such as sugarless gum or hard candy, raw vegetables such as carrot sticks, or sunflower seeds. Some people chew on a coffee stirrer or a straw.

Activities: Do something to reduce your stress. Exercise or do hobbies that keep your hands busy, such as needlework or woodworking, which can help distract you from the urge to smoke. Take a hot bath, exercise, or read a book.

Deep breathing: When you were smoking, you breathed deeply as you inhaled the smoke. When the urge strikes now, breathe deeply and picture your lungs filling with fresh, clean air. Remind yourself of your reasons for quitting and the benefits you'll gain as an ex-smoker.

Delay: If you feel that you are about to light up, delay. Tell yourself you must wait at least 10 minutes. Often this simple trick will allow you to move beyond the strong urge to smoke.

Remember to ride out the desire to smoke. It will go away, but do not fool yourself into thinking you can have just one. Good luck!