Top New Year's Resolutions: Quit Smoking

Smoking is a personal choice and can only be made by the smoker themselves whether to quit or not to quit. Many people in my family smoke and it is their choice. I do not force my beliefs on them because I myself do not smoke; instead I understand that the decision is out of my control. But, if you are a smoker and you have chosen to quit smoking then this article may be able to help you see it through. Smoking: The Reasons
There are several reasons a smoker may choose to quit and what better time than the New Year? On the list of New Year's resolutions the two top changes people want to make are to quit smoking and lose weight. Below are a few reasons that some smokers have finally decided to quit smoking.

• Save money
• Improve health
• Deciding to have a baby (smoking causes infertility)
• Prove something to themselves

Regardless of the reason, you must be ready to take the step in order for this change to be successful. Smoking: Successful Steps
There are many ways to quit smoking on the market today. There are gums, patches, and systems to choose from but before any of this can work you have got to make it right within yourself before going through the actual process of quitting smoking. This is not going to be an easy task. A lot of the success depends on your ability to keep focused. The mental aspect is far more brutal then the chemical dependence. As the nicotine levels begin to lower, it will weigh on your mind heavily. Every little problem you experience will seem as though it is a major devastation that can be cured by one more cigarette. It may sound silly but it is very true. I chose to quit smoking cold turkey and it worked for me. Why? How? I believe that it is because my reasons for quitting far outweighed my reasons to still smoke. I am not going to sit here and tell you it was easy, because it wasn't, but, it helped me pull through until I saw sweet success. If you don't have a goal, a steady reason to quit smoking then you are not doing it for the right reasons and the chances of you quitting are slim to none. There is a reason they call it a "habit". Below are a few simple steps to help you in your quest to quit smoking.

1. Make a list of reasons why you should quit smoking and keep it on you at all times.
2. Decide on a plan. It can be through the patch, gum, or cold turkey.
3. While you're going through this transition be sure you limit temptation. This means make sure you do not hang around people or places where there will be a lot of smoke. Also read up on some relaxing techniques and use them each and every time you get stressed out…This will reduce your cravings.
4. When you feel as though you are not going to make it, pull out your list of reasons and remind yourself of the importance.

Smoking: The End Result
After three full days, without any nicotine at all, you have gotten through the worst part. After the three days, when you experience cravings and mood swings it is your body's final reaction to the choice you have made. This part will be mostly all mental. If you choose to use the patch and gum to quit smoking it can take weeks or even months to complete. This seems to me added stress for your body to endure. There is a great sense of pride and joy when you have finally quit smoking. It has been my experience that cold turkey was the fastest and easiest way to do it. Once you convince yourself that it is an issue of mind over matter your will power will take care of the rest. Good luck and may you have a healthy and happy new year regardless of your choices.