Helpful Ways to Quit Smoking

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Helpful Ways to Quit Smoking - By: MIKE SELVON, Posted on: 2007-06-23

Any ex-smoker will tell you: It isn't easy to quit smoking. However, anyone who has found a way to stop the cigarette crave is also proof that breaking the habit can be done. It takes a good deal of willpower and the willingness to commit yourself to a period of fighting cravings or struggling not to light a cigarette.

The benefits for someone who makes an effort to stop the ciragette crave are plentiful. Here are some helpful ways to get you through those tough moments.

First, drink lots of water. Ease a craving that starts to eat at you and tempt you to smoke by drinking a glass of water instead. Drinking water is good for your body and helps both healing and hydration during your withdrawal period, so feel free to carry bottled water everywhere.

Secondly, put something else in your mouth. Attempts to stop smoking usually involve the individual wishing for something in their mouth or hands. Have a big bowl of mini carrots and celery in the fridge to munch on. Avoid sweets and chips that will make you struggle with weight gain, though.

Change your habits. The majority of trying to stop the cigarette crave involves breaking psychological habits, more than physical dependence on chemical products or nicotine. If you smoked with your morning coffee, try taking a walk with your coffee in a portable mug instead. If you smoked in the car, take the bus or bicycle temporarily until you overcome this initial hurdle.

Distract yourself. Avoiding a craving is as easy as finding something else to occupy your mind when a craving whispers at you. Many people find that when a craving hits, if they get up and immediately begin an active task, the craving quickly disappears and they forget about smoking.

Remember why you want to end your cigarette crave. Carry a list of all the reasons you want to quit smoking with you, from health, to finance, to friends, to smelly clothes. Each time you think you might take up a cigarette, pull out your list and strengthen your willpower.

Get help. In older times, cold turkey was the way to go, but bravery through martyrdom is a thing of the past. Get help from your doctor or pharmacist to stop smoking, and opt for the nicotine patch, hypnotherapy, or laser treatment.

Find support. Don't keep your plan a secret. Tell everyone how you want to quit smoking and let them help you. You'll be amazed to see that people will go out of their way not to smoke around you or to encourage your plan.

With the internet, people are finding more ways to end the cigarette crave. In addition to traditional methods that have been successful throughout the years, you can find websites and resources that give alternative hints and helpful tips to help you quit smoking. Thousands of people quit smoking every year. With willpower and dedication, you can find a way to quit smoking too!

Article Source: http://www.girlarticles.com

Mike Selvon's quit smoking portal has some more useful information on the helpful methods to quit smoking. Visit his web site and leave a comment at his quit smoking blog.