Advice on How to Quit Smoking

You can quit smoking! Everyone knows that quitting smoking is very hard and that many people try several times before they quit for good, but it really is something that can be done. Just keep reading and see how.

Benefits to Quitting Smoking:

First of all there are many benefits to quitting. Many people who smoke do not really care about the health benefits of quitting especially if there are no signs or symptoms of feeling ill. But the truth is that quitting smoking is one of the best things that can ever be done; the benefits are not only health related. Other great benefits include:

- a great way to save money, a pack a day smoker spends about $1200 per year

- food will taste better

- clothes, hair and breath will smell better

- having more control of your own life without being dependent on cigarettes

And with all that goes the health benefits that will come from quitting smoking, such as lowering your risk of a heart attack, stroke, cancer and being able to breathe better.

Tips to Help You Quit:

Most successful quitters all have the same advice which I must say are very similar in being successful in quitting smoking. I have interviewed several "successful quitters" and this is what they had to say in becoming a successful quitter:

- The first and most important thing to do is getting rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in the home and car

- Staying and hanging around non-smoking designated areas to reduce the urges

- Asking for support from family and friends especially to refrain from smoking around you

- Keeping busy with other tasks especially when urges start up

- Always having a nicotine replacement therapy (gum or patch) available for those "just in case times"

- Avoiding alcohol or coffee as these were the most frequent causes to desire a cigarette

- Keeping a separate bank to put aside the money saved from not buying cigarettes, and then reward yourself with something else with those savings either weekly or monthly

10 Keys To Help in Quitting:

1. Set a quit date and stick to it

2. Get a support network, such as family, friends, co-workers and a health care provider

3. Join a quit group or telephone counseling

4. When trying to quit change normal routines as to reduce the desire

5. Plan something different and enjoyable daily

6. Reward yourself after each full day of not smoking

7. Drink a lot of water

8. If needed get a form of medication to help with urges such as a nicotine replacement

9. Distract yourself from all urges to smoke

10. Most of all prepare yourself for difficult situations and have a back up plan if needed

Remember that most people do try several attempts of quitting before actually quitting for good, but think of all the great benefits that will be available when you do quit.

Think positive and know that you are in control and YOU CAN QUIT SMOKING!