Two Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

It can be hard to quit smoking, I know. There's a number of ways to do it, including nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum, patches, etc.), seeing a therapist to help you through it, cutting down slowly, or just going cold turkey. No matter how you're trying to quit, there are two easy things you can do to make it a little easier.

The first tip to help you quit smoking is simple, use your mouth. Many smokers feel odd not using their mouths as regularly when they stop smoking. This is really easy to do and many people know to do this already. Chewing gum is a really easy to way to go about it. A friend of mine kept a toothpick in his mouth. By using your mouth like this, you'll also lessen the effect of post-quitting weight gain.

The second tip is just as easy as the first, use your hands. Many smokers, myself included, find the hardest part of quitting is not having something to do with my hands. Something little that you can do with your hands, preferably something portable, can do wonders in helping you quit. Little toys or coins that you can play around with in your hands are great. I found that those chinese stress balls that you roll around in your hands work great. And I've heard of a woman who traded smoking for knitting.

These two tips should help regardless of how you choose to quit, but I thought I'd share here how I recommend quitting. Now this doesn't apply to everyone, to each his or her own. Cutting down slowly is a really hard way to quit. It takes an incredible amount of willpower to gradually cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day, especially when those cigarettes are still at hand. It may sound like the best way, but I wouldn't recommend it. Quitting cold turkey is actually a bit easier, but still very difficult. If you can do it, I would recommend it, but know that it's really hard. Nicotine replacement therapy works great. I would recommend the patch over the gum but both work well. This is one of the easiest ways to quit though it'll still take willpower. Hopefully it'll be easier with my tips. Seeing a professional is something I haven't tried personally, but I've heard good things. If nothing else works this might be the best option for you.

These things may make it a little easier to quit smoking, but in the end, it's up to you. I'm sure you can do it and I hope my words help.