Many smokers feel that it is next to impossible to quit this addicting habit. However, it does not have to be this way. By keeping an open mind and learning some crucial facts, like what you are going to read in this article, you will be an ex-smoker in no time.

To boost your odds of successfully quitting smoking, think about putting down on paper all the potential advantages and consequences of quitting. Writing something down can change your whole mental outlook. This can help you to focus your quitting efforts more clearly, as well as to identify any weaknesses in your plan.

Write down the different ways that you want to try to quit smoking. Sit down and make a list of things that will work for your personality. Each person does things their own way. You have to figure out what works best for yourself and your lifestyle. Making a list for yourself will accomplish this.

Keep a cold glass or bottle of ice water nearby at all times. When you get a craving for a cigarette, take a sip of water–even if this means you hardly put the bottle down at first. This gives you something to do with your hands and mouth, and it can be a useful way to prevent snacking, too.

When you are first trying to quit smoking, try to avoid places that you associate with smoking. This might mean staying away from your favorite bar or the smoking spot at work. Staying away from these places also means staying away from temptation, which can be a very important thing to do when you are first trying to quit.

Consulting your doctor or a specialist can help you get the help that you need to be successful. There may be prescription medication that can help making quitting easier, including some antidepressants. Your doctor will also put you in touch with support groups and other resources you can use.

If you’re a smoker who lights up more in social situations, plan ways to not join your friends for a cigarette when you’re out. While dining, stay at the table if your friends go outside for to smoke. If you’re at a party, if people are smoking, find a non-smoker to chat with. Finding ways to not be around smokers will make it easier for you to quit.

To effectively quit smoking, have a plan mapped out. Take some time to prepare yourself by writing down the steps you will take to quit, who you will call for support, and what you will do if you should slip up. Putting these things in writing makes them concrete, and it is much like making a contract with yourself. This can have a very powerful affect on your mindset, helping you to stay focused on your journey toward quitting.

Consider any therapy that can replace nicotine. Smoking itself is kind of disgusting and easy to give up, but the nicotine withdrawal usually proves the nail in the coffin of a quit attempt. Do whatever you can to deal with the withdrawal, from medicine prescriptions to alternatives like the patch, gum or even throat lozenges.

Make a list of healthy things you can do to relieve stress, anxiety or frustration. For many people, smoking is a way to relieve stress. Your list can help you find a better, healthier way of coping with negative feelings so that you won’t be as tempted to smoke when you’re having a bad day.

If smoking is your reaction to stress, replace it with a positive one. Consider getting a massage when you are stressed or participating in an exercise class. Even doing something simple like taking a bath or enjoying a light snack is a better reaction to stress than smoking is. Doing these things will help you to quit, while still keeping your stress level in check.

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.

Rid your home of anything cigarette related. Once you decide to quit smoking, get rid of any evidence. Throw away ashtrays, lighters, matches etc. Wash your clothes and clean the house from top to bottom. The last thing you need is a scent of cigarettes that might lure you back in to the habit.

As you can see, smokers are mistaken if they think they cannot quit their habit. You can learn how to quit smoking by doing your research and staying open minded. If you use the advice provided to you in this article properly, you will never want to touch a cigarette again!

Ready To Quit? Follow These Simple Steps was originally published on Spring