7 Tips to help you quit smoking

1. Ask yourself this question: Why do you want to quit?

OK, so this is one of those rather silly questions. You may have heard that smoking is bad for you and it sure is, but you are not exactly convinced that it can actually affect you, of all people. Statistics are available all around the internet so, with a simple Google search, you’ll find that smoking may indeed cause cancer and heart disease, and these are only 2 of the issues smoking ensures. Ever had one of those moments when you wanted to have sex but couldn’t? Well, if you’re a heavy smoker, you may encounter ‘reproductive’ problems because of your excessive intake of nicotine and carbon monoxide. Technical details aside, you have to know why you should quit smoking. If you aren’t convinced… there are high chances you’ll take it up again.

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2. Try to understand that you’re addicted to nicotine. Which is why most smokers that decide to quit one morning are bound to take up smoking again. Try researching the topic and getting some medical help. A daily patch may do it.

3. Join a group. Think of smoking as your addiction. It may not be as bad as alcoholism, but you have to admit you are indeed addicted to it if the first thing that crosses your mind when you get unnerved by something is to light up a cigarette.

4. Try to lead a calm life. Try to loosen more, decrease your stress and anxiety levels and overall lose less time on thinking about problems that maybe can’t be solved.

5. For at least a month, try to cut back on your drinking. Ever had the feeling you need a cigarette to go along with your beer? Every smoker has had that feeling. While you’re at it, try to stay away from pubs or other spots where smoking is still allowed. You may become a quite anti-social creature for a short while, but in the long run, you’ll manage to give up smoking.

6. Whenever you’re thinking about lighting a cigarette, do something useful. Like cleaning up, or lifting some weights, going out with someone you haven’t seen for a while, listening to some dancing music and moving along with it or any other possible thing you may use in order to have some fun and get your enthusiasm for healthy living going.

7. Eat. But don’t start snacking all day long. If you feel the need to light up a cigarette, eat some fruit or raw vegetables. Try smoking afterwards and you’ll see how fowl the taste in your mouth is.