Tips to Help You Stop Smoking

Prepare to Stop Smoking

Decide positively that you want to stop. Avoid negative thoughts about how difficult it might be.
Develop strong personal reasons to stop in addition to your health and obligations to others. For example, think of all the time you waste taking cigarette breaks, rushing out to buy a pack, hunting for a light etc., or of all the money you'll save.
List all the reasons you want to stop. Every night before going to bed, repeat one of the reasons 10 times.
Begin to condition yourself physically: start a modest exercise program; drink more fluids; get plenty of rest; avoid fatigue.
Have realistic expectations and be patient, you didn¡¦t learn to smoke in a day so don¡¦t expect to quit in a day.
Understand that withdrawal symptoms are temporary and are healthy signs that the body is repairing itself from its long exposure to nicotine. Within 24 hours of abrupt smoking cessation, withdrawal symptoms may appear as the body begins its healing process.
Relapses occur in the first week or two after stopping, when withdrawal symptoms are strongest. Willpower, family, friends, and any tips that work for you will help you get through this critical period successfully.
Tell your family and friends that you're stopping and when. They can be an important source of support both before and after you stop.

Practice going without a cigarette. Smoke 1 or 2 less cigarettes than usual; have your first smoke an hour later than usual.
Make it difficult to get a cigarette - stop carrying them, buy only one pack at a time and don¡¦t buy cartons. Put them in a locker or your car, only smoke outside in designated smoking areas.
Practice coping with the urge to smoke. Notice the urge and think about it ¡V then choose not to smoke. Tell yourself you will wait 20 minutes ¡V the urge to smoke will pass whether you smoke that cigarette or not.
Think of stopping in terms of one day at a time.
Don't empty your ashtrays. This will remind you of how many cigarettes you've smoked each day, and the sight and smell is very unpleasant.
Collect all your cigarette butts in one large glass container as a reminder of your smoking.