Quitting smoking can be one of the best decisions you can make. For many it’s not easy. If you’ve tried to quit before, you will be no stranger to the withdrawal cravings that occur. You’re definitely not alone. Let’s go over key quit smoking tips to help you to break free and stay smoke-free for good.
1. How to Get Motivated
Take a moment to go over all the reasons why you want to quit. It might be for your health, more energy, longer life, your family, or to save money. Whatever it is, write it down in a note taking App on your phone or on a piece of paper that you keep in your wallet. Compelling reasons for quitting will keep you motivated not just when you first quit, but also during difficult times in the future.
Go over this list often before you finally quit and after completely stopping smoking. Go through your list at least once a day. The purpose of your list is that it acts like a motivational reminder. You could think of going through your list as a small step every day. Small steps every day can lead to big results.
Visualize the quit smoking benefits that is on your list. Visualization has the power to turn goals into concrete realities. When you clearly picture something as achievable, your brain becomes more focused. Your brain also treats what you visualize as something real and achievable. Visualizing also has the power to eliminate self-doubt and you build confidence to make it happen. When you can see it in your mind, you dramatically increase the probability of making it happen in real life.
2. How to Choose a Quit Date
It may be a good idea to pick a time in your life that is not too stressful. For some people, stress often triggers nicotine cravings. For others, staying busy is a distraction that avoids triggering cravings. Think about what scenario would be best for you. Would you be the kind of person that would find it easier to quit by taking time off work, or would keeping very busy distract you enough not to have any cravings?
For many, the first three days are the hardest. Many others say the first three weeks are the most difficult. It will normally take about 3 weeks for nicotine to completely leave your body. Every person is different, and the time it takes to fully adjust to being smoke-free can vary.
If you’re avoiding stress give yourself more or less three weeks of time with little stress in your life. If you need to be busy, prepare to be busy for more or less three weeks.
An ongoing commitment is essential to stay smoke free. Remember, that with time you will find yourself completely forgetting about smoking and what role it played in your life. Know that in time you will reap enourmess rewards, without smoking in your life. Set a specific date to quit smoking and stick to it. Give yourself enough time to prepare.
Avoid postponing your quit date. Postponing might seem harmless at first, but it can easily turn into postponing the whole event.
3. Break The Connection That Smoking Has with Your Daily Habits
After quitting, break the connection smoking has with your daily habits by changing and mixing tasks you do routinely.
If you always smoke with your morning coffee or after meals, find a new routine. Switch to tea, take a short walk, or chew gum instead. This way you break the connection between smoking and your daily habits.
Keep in mind that certain situations, places, or even emotions can trigger cravings. In the beginning stages of quitting, it may be best to avoid some situations that you deem to be tricky. You may deem social gatherings where others smoke as difficult. Periods of high stress where you used to smoke a lot may also be a trigger. Avoid difficult situations at first.
4. A Fantastic Way to Rid Yourself of Cravings
Exercise is a fantastic way to curb cravings and reduce stress. Even a short walk can help distract you when the urge to smoke hits. Staying active also improves your overall health, making quitting even more rewarding.
Physical activity stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins. These endorphins can help you counteract the effects of nicotine withdrawal. It may also alleviate irritability, anxiety, stress and restlessness.
Exercise is also known to improve sleep quality which is often disrupted during the initial stages of quitting.
5. How to Manage Stress the Right Way While Quitting
Many people smoke to cope with stress, so finding healthier alternatives would be vital.
A great approach is to prioritize self-care. You do this by ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. Keep in mind that exercise is a potent way to relieve stress.
Deep breathing exercises also helps calm the nervous system. Listening to music is another great way to relax.
A walk outdoors can be a great way to lower stress and improve mental clarity. Make it more interesting by taking a walk in a park, by the beach, or in the mountains.
Laughter and simply having fun can soothe away stress and lighten your mood. Watch a funny movie, play games, or simply enjoy time with loved ones.
A strong support network of friends and family can provide emotional support during challenging times. Simply talking to someone who listens and understands can be a way to ease away stress and make problems feel more manageable. Supportive relationships offer encouragement and can help reframe stressful situations in a more positive or constructive light. Having a reliable support system acts as a buffer against the stressors of life.
Gratitude has the power to foster a more positive mindset. Acknowledging the things that you’re grateful for moves your attention away from the stresses of life.
6. Reward Yourself and Celebrate Your Victories
Why not treat yourself with the money you save by not smoking? Quitting smoking saves you heaps of money.
Set up a reward system to celebrate milestones that is reached. It may be a fancy dinner, a new gadget, or a weekend getaway. Having something to look forward to can keep you motivated and positive. It signals to your brain that your efforts are worthwhile. The result is a positive feedback loop that can improve your chances of long-terms success many times over.
Celebrating milestones also creates a sense of momentum, positively reinforcing the idea that life is great without smoking in it.
7. Refuse to Give Up
The path to any achievement in life is rarely straight forward. For many, achievement is often filled with setbacks, obstacles, and moments of doubt. Slipping up doesn’t have to mean you’ve failed.
If you have a cigarette, don’t be too hard on yourself. Pick yourself up and get back on track and move forward. Never give up. Renew your commitment to experience a better life that is waiting for you without cigarettes in it. Remember that you’re doing something amazing for yourself. Your future self will thank you!
Want to Quit Smoking Without Willpower or Fuss and Stay Free from Cigarettes or Vapes for Life?
What if I told you that quitting smoking cigarettes or vapes could be as easy as snapping your fingers? After 25 years of heavy smoking, I stumbled upon something that got me to quit instantly and permanently. Find out how you can quit easily and permanently here.