While most smokers realize that smoking is a risky and unhealthy activity, many of them are unable to quit successfully. A part of the reason is that the addiction is very difficult to break. However, there are effective strategies that have been successful for others. This article provides several of these strategies. Follow the tips provided, and hopefully you will be able to quit successfully.

If you’re trying to quit smoking, stopping “cold turkey” is a bad idea. Quitting without a means of support for nicotine withdrawal is an uphill battle. Because nicotine is addictive, it’s very easy to relapse without some form of support when quitting. It’s best to use smoking cessation medicine, or some type of therapy when you’re ready to quit.

Stop smoking once and for all by replacing those moments that you enjoy a cigarette with physical exercise. Not only will it be a distraction to you, but you will also benefit in a huge way by developing a healthier and more attractive body. It may be hard at first due to the effects of nicotine in your system, but start small, with a walk around the block.

Try to avoid alcohol if you’re trying to quit smoking. Alcohol and cigarettes are naturally complimentary to each other. In addition, alcohol lowers your mental focus, meaning you are more likely to give in to temptation or peer pressure. If you avoid alcohol, you’re more likely to stay clear of mind. This might just mean that quitting becomes a bit easier.

If you want to quit smoking, you need to identify factors that will motivate you to stop. Preventing lung cancer, tooth decay, gum disease and emphysema, or protecting your family are strong motivators. Showing respect for your body and for the gift of life is also a powerful motivating force. Whatever reason you choose, it needs to be enough to prevent you from lighting up again in the future.

To cut back on smoking cravings, change the habits that once surrounded smoking. For example, if you always smoked on your breaks then see if you can get your breaks at a different time to make it harder to succumb to those cravings. Likewise, if you always had a cigarette with coffee then switch to a new caffeine fix like tea.

Cut down on smoking. This will help you get started on your journey to stop smoking. Wait an hour at least before getting that first smoke of that day. Try smoking only a half cigarette in order to help you cut back on how much you smoke.

Don’t allow yourself “just one puff”. The mind can sometimes play tricks on you, especially when you’re trying to give up a habit that you have had for years. Don’t allow yourself to give in to the idea that just one cigarette won’t hurt. It will hurt, and it might just keep you from being able to quit at all.

Start moving. Physical activity is a great for reducing nicotine cravings and can ease some of the withdrawal symptoms. When you crave a cigarette, go for a jog instead. Even mild exercise can be helpful, like pulling the weeds in the garden or taking a leisurely stroll. Plus, the extra activity will burn extra calories and help ward off any weight gain as you are quitting smoking.

To stay true to your plan to quit smoking, make up motivational note cards to read whenever you get a craving. Keep these cards on your fridge, in your car, in your purse or wallet and even in a drawer at work. Any time a craving strikes, read and repeat the message on the card like a mantra to refocus your efforts.

Choose the date that you will quit and write it on the calendar. After you’ve done this, tell your friends and family. Choosing your quit date makes your goal more specific and real so that you’re more likely to take action towards it. It’s harder to change your mind once you’ve made a commitment, and other people can help support you if they know about your quit date.

Use nicotine replacement therapies to help you quit smoking. The nicotine addiction associated with long-term smoking is strong. You are likely to get irritable, restless and depressed if you stop your intake of nicotine suddenly. Using a patch or gum or lozenges containing nicotine can help you to wean yourself off gradually.

The majority of people who smoke do so with the knowledge that the activity that they are engaging in is unhealthy and dangerous. A lot of them also have difficulty quitting due to the addictive nature of smoking. However, there are strategies that have helped others quit that can help you quit successfully too. Use the tips that have been provided in this article, and hopefully smoking will be a thing of the past.

Looking To Quit Smoking? Start Here With These Excellent Suggestions! was originally published on Spring