Your loved ones keep pushing you to quit. Your physician encourages you that you do the same. Even your insurance company is willing to give you a discount if you quit. So, why have you not quit smoking yet? Time to stop and use these tips to quit the habit without another thought.

To aid in smoking cessation, remove yourself from your circle of friends who smoke. Don’t worry; this is just a temporary measure, but you really do need to do this. Constant exposure to cigarette smoke, plus the social aspect of smoking together, will automatically squash your hopes for success.

Start exercising at home or join the local gym, to keep you occupied and prevent you from smoking. Just getting moving will help you defeat your stress. You can ease into a healthier lifestyle by starting to take a daily walk and working your way up to strenuous activity. Speak to your physician before beginning an exercise routine.

Before you start, you need to make a commitment to quitting. You will likely encounter various obstacles or triggers – stay committed to your goal! Motivate yourself by considering each of the powerful motivations that you have for quitting.

See your doctor and ask him to recommend a stop smoking program or medication. Only five percent of people who attempt to stop cold turkey, with no help, succeed in their attempt to quit smoking. You need help to overcome the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that accompany any attempt to quit.

Always keep in mind that there is only one outcome from taking another puff of a cigarette. That outcome is smoking again at the level that you were at, until the habit cripples you and you are in the hospital dying. This is a scary truth that will help you stay on track.

When you’re ready to quit smoking, don’t be afraid to seek the advice of a physician. A doctor can guide you in many ways on how to quit, whether it’s recommending a nicotine replacement product, or outlining an exercise plan, or even just offering authoritative words of encouragement and support.

Learn and use positive mantras. Tell yourself that you’re strong and powerful and that you can quit. Let yourself know that you believe in yourself and that you know you will be successful. When you make positive mantras such as these, a part of your life, success will follow. This is as true for quitting smoking as it is for every other aspect of your life.

Avoid situations where you may be strongly tempted to smoke, especially places where alcohol is served. If you find yourself at a party, or bar, or similar place, it may be very tough to keep your determination not to smoke. If you drink alcohol, which lowers inhibitions, it will be much more difficult as well.

Throw or give away all of your cigarettes or other tobacco products. If you don’t have easy access to tobacco, you won’t be tempted to have one last cigarette or to return to smoking when you feel stressed. In addition, if you decide to smoke, you’ll have to put extra effort into getting tobacco and might change your mind by the time you can get it.

Don’t worry if you have a relapse. It’s not uncommon for a smoker to try multiple times to quit before they succeed. Always think about what made you relapse, and try to avoid that situation in the future. Decide on a new day to quit, prepare yourself, and stick with it.

You should pick your method, or methods of quitting. Some people may only be able to use the “cold turkey” method, meaning cutting their nicotine use entirely without tapering. However, this can make some people exceptionally cranky and exacerbate withdrawal. Gums, lozenges and other quitting cessation products exist to make the first week easier to handle.

If your willpower is weakening and you are about to reach for your favorite tobacco product, pick up the phone a call somebody for support. Explain your feelings to someone who has been through it and they can help you get through the rough patches. The time spent during the phone conversation will help distract you while the craving passes, and knowing that you aren’t alone will help you deal with the issue.

If you do not want to use nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit smoking, consider asking your doctor for a prescription. There are medications that can alter your brain chemistry and reduce your nicotine cravings. Taking one of these prescriptions may be just the aid you need to get you over the hump.

Now you’re well equipped with the information you need to kick the habit for good. Once you are a non-smoker, you’ll enjoy better health, increased mood, and a longer lifespan. Use the money that you saved on cigarettes and buy a treat for your family.

Need Help To Quit Smoking? See The Information Below was originally published on Spring