Smoking Quit Day

This post is for helping those who have decided to quit smoking. I am not going to echo all the sources and research that reveal the dangers of smoking. If you still need proof of that then read the label on your pack. This post is for those who have already decided to make a positive change in their lives. Hopefully it will be a battle strategy for taking back control of your own body and life.

Prepare for withdrawal

Many people are not comfortable thinking of themselves as being addicted. You have to accept that if you are more comfortable smoking than not then you have an addiction. With an addiction comes a withdrawal effect that is real and very powerful, both physically and psychologically.  Your body can go through withdrawal for 2 or 3 days after your last cigarette up to a few weeks. However, don't let this discourage you, as the physically uncomfortable feelings usually pass a lot sooner then the mental habits that must be undone.

The best way to deal with withdrawal is to get through it as quickly as possible. This means not using nicotine replacements to quit gradually. These products may benefit you in the short term, since you are not taking in other toxins through your lungs along with the nicotine, but meanwhile you are still using that nicotine. Your body can't fully withdraw from the addiction. Many sources say otherwise, but if you talk to many people who quit and never went back, a great number will say they just stopped one day. So choose your day to quit, and try to never smoke again.

Triggers

For several days before you quit, write down where and when you smoke. Notice any patterns you have. What triggers you to want to smoke?  Do you have to smoke first thing when you wake up in the morning? Is it right after you eat, while your having a drink to unwind, after sex, or even sitting watching television. The more precise you are in pinpointing these triggers, the easier it will be to disrupt them.

One of the biggest triggers for many people is simply stress. Nicotine can have a depressant effect on the body. Whenever the fight or flight response starts, many people use nicotine to calm themselves. Life will always have stress in some form, so it's important learn other ways of dealing with it. One of the best ways is a good exercise program. Others are breath control and relaxation techniques which I plan to post on in the future.

Avoiding Triggers

The day before you quit, get rid of any cigarettes and ash trays. Clean out the car of old butts and empty packages. These things can be triggers. Try to stay busy for several days, to help keep  your mind off smoking. Avoid alcohol,which can often trigger the urge to smoke. Don't follow your smoking friends outside. Eat a healthy snack instead of going on a smoke break. Spend time in public places where you can't smoke. Get support from nonsmokers, especially health professionals, people who have successfully quit, and family. Eat a good diet. Good nutrition is crucial during quit time, both to cleanse the body and to prevent weight gain.

Begin to make an effort to disrupt your trigger situations. Review the list you made if you need to. If you usually smoke at a certain time, go do something else instead. If a certain place or activity is a trigger, try to avoid it until the smoking cravings have past. If it can't be avoided, try to find some activity to keep you occupied until the situation is over.

Focus on Success

It may not seem like it when you first start, but the need to smoke will pass. Always remember that a great many people have gone through the same battle you are going through and were successful. Keep in mind the benefits of what you are doing. You'll probably be extending your life, getting sick less often, and gaining more energy. If you have a set back, don't beat yourself up over it. Note what triggered your slip and start again. Make up your mind to do it and make it a life goal. You may be surprised at how soon you'll be able to say "I don't smoke" and mean it.