How To Quit Smoking – 6 Ways To Kick Your Smoking Habit

Although most people are well aware of the many negative effects that smoking has on the body, it can still be difficult to quit the addictive habit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 19 percent of Americans smoke, and many of them want to quit.

Going cold turkey, or stopping cigarette smoking all at once, can lead to irritability, withdrawal symptoms and even physical discomfort for some.

If you want to quit smoking once and for all, consider using this guide for some helpful tips. Here are six ways to kick your smoking habit for good.

1. List Why You Want To Quit

Although you may know that you want to stop smoking, it is not enough to simply have the idea in the back of your mind. Spend some time making a list of all the reasons that you want or need to stop smoking cigarettes.

It may have to do with the expense of cigarettes, the health risks involved or the desire to raise a family. When you decide to quit smoking once and for all, keep the list with you for motivation.

2. Set a Date On The Calendar

Many people who want to quit simply postpone the process due to a tough work schedule, stress or relationship problems. To avoid this, pick a date on the calendar where you will, absolutely, quit smoking.

You can quit cold turkey or reduce consumption until that date, but set yourself an absolute last day for smoking cigarettes.

3. Keep Your Mouth Occupied

Cigarettes provide you with an oral fixation that cannot easily be replaced. However, there are some options that can make quitting easier.

Try eating hard candies regularly, chewing gum or even investing in an e-cigarette that releases nicotine without any of the smoke or carcinogens.

4. Consider Prescription Medications

There are a number of medications and treatments that can make the process of stopping smoking much easier for smokers.

Many treatments offer nicotine as a way to replace the addictiveness of cigarettes, and can include options like lozenges, patches and gum. Other medications are prescription pills that can making smoking unpleasant and undesirable over time.

5. Avoid Certain Places and Behaviors

There are certain actions, habits and behaviors that can make it very hard to avoid cigarettes. If you always have a cigarette after dinner, try having a piece of spicy gum and taking a way to distract yourself.

You may need to avoid certain places where you smoked frequently, or you may need to avoid certain behaviors like drinking. Says Dr. Michael Fiore, founder of the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, “The leading factor that is associated with failing once you’ve started a quit attempt is drinking.”

6. Reward Yourself

The financial benefits of quitting smoking can be staggering.

Over just a few days or weeks, you will have saved some money. Reward yourself with treats to keep you motivated over time, whether that is a pedicure, a new outfit or a great meal with your partner.

Quitting an addictive habit like smoking cigarettes is rarely easy. With these tips, counseling and some support, however, you can make this change for good.