Quitting
smoking is not as much an event, as it is a process. It’s a long and hard
process at times. You need to take it
one day at a time. Every day, you need to decide not to smoke today. Each day
you don’t smoke is one step to your goal to be smoke-free.
Before
you decide to quit smoking, you should prepare yourself for a long process.
There are few ways to do just that.
·
Determine the day when you will stop and mark it
on the calendar. Most people draw a circle. It’s important to give yourself
some time.
·
Most people start on a Monday. People, who quit
smoking, will want to have a routine; so they can occupy their time with work.
·
You can do some research about different
quitting smoking options. About 80% of smokers who quit do so without being in
a program. Sadly, 95% of these self-reliant quitters will fail and go back to
smoking within 12 months.
·
Nicotine Anonymous. It’s a 12-step program that
is beneficial and the meetings are free. You can either search online or check
your local phonebook. There’s a local chapter near you.
·
The gum.
·
The patch.
·
You need to determine what’s best for you.
·
Tell your family and friends that you’re going
to quit smoking. Hopefully, they will be supportive for you.
You
need to remember that it’s hard to break a habit. You’ve smoked for many years,
so it’s not going to be easy. There are many obstacles that you will have to
endure before you succeed.
·
Fear of failure.
·
Each year, millions of people will try to quit
smoking. Sadly, less than 10% will succeed on their first try.
·
Concerns about weight gain
·
Most studies have shown: over a two-year period
after quitting, successful quitters gain an average of five pounds.
·
Smokers often smoke instead of eating therefore
consuming less food.
·
However, giving up smoking is more beneficial
and you can always lose those extra pounds with a diet plan.
·
Concerns about stress.
·
Studies suggest nicotine is actually helpful in
improving moods and decreasing negative feelings.
·
However, it’s not sure why that is
·
Concerns about nicotine withdrawal.
·
There will be hard cravings after you quit
smoking.
·
You may also be irritable, anxious, depressed or
angry.
·
These withdrawal symptoms don’t last too long.
Most diminish within two week.
·
Concerns about your age.
·
You may think you’re too old to quit.
·
However, quitting smoking reduces chances of
heart disease and stroke.
After
you finally decide you want to quit smoking, you need to remember that it’s
going to be difficult for a few days or weeks. There’s no magic pill you can
swallow. You need to do the footwork. It is going to take some courage, resolve
and more importantly the willpower to quit smoking.
You
shouldn’t ask yourself if this program works for you. Instead, ask yourself are
you willing to do the work? Most importantly, tell yourself that you can do it!
And you will.