People all over the world smoke, and people all over the world want to learn how to quit smoking as well. If you are one of the many but haven’t yet then you can take charge and lead the way towards quitting smoking and set an example for everyone to follow.

Before you begin the process of quitting your nicotine habit for good, take the time to make a specific plan of action. Merely thinking that you can muster up the willpower when needed is a poor way to approach this very addictive habit. Write down a list of things that you will do instead of reaching for that cigarette. This can include going for a walk, calling a friend, making a fresh fruit smoothie, or any number of diversions.

Help the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. If you decide not to use a product that contains nicotine, such as a patch, gum or lozenges, think about asking your doctor about a prescription medication. Certain pills can help to reduce cravings by affecting the chemicals that your brain produces, lessening the symptoms. There are also certain medications that will make a cigarette taste nasty if you decide to smoke.

The delay tactic is an effective way to deal with overwhelming cravings. By telling yourself you will check back in ten minutes to see if you still want a cigarette, you will usually avoid the craving. If you don’t, keep repeating this as you need to.

Quit smoking to improve your smile. People who smoke often fall victim to yellow teeth, persistent bad breath, and even gum disease. In addition, smoking puts you at risk for mouth cancer. When you quit, your smile will have a chance to become whiter, and you’ll feel more like smiling because your body will be healthier.

It is extremely important that you talk to a doctor prior to quitting smoking. This person can provide you some advice on your best methods of quitting. In addition, he or she can provide you some additional support on your journey. Both of these things greatly increase your chances of quitting for good.

Try incorporating deep breathing exercises in your life when you begin to feel the urge to smoke. This will help you calm down when you feel like you need to take a puff. Deep breathing will help you control yourself and stop the urge before you begin to think about giving in.

When you are trying to quit smoking, sometimes you have to change other habits which trigger your desire for a puff. Instead of that cup of coffee or that alcoholic drink, have a glass of juice or water. Many people still have an urge to have a smoke after finishing a meal. After a meal, take a walk. Not only will it help take your mind off having a smoke, it will also help keep off the weight that is commonly associated with giving up smoking.

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.

Remember that the hardest part of quitting is usually those first couple of days. Mentally prepare yourself to tough it out for just the first two days, and then just the first week, and you will probably be in good shape after that. Your body will be doing a good amount of detoxifying in those first few days and if you can make it through that stage, you can make it through anything.

To fully prepare yourself with the struggles of quitting, know exactly what to expect before you start. Know how soon you can expect symptoms of nicotine withdrawal to kick in, and know all of the possible symptoms you could experience. This will also help you to anticipate your strongest cravings and most likely pitfalls.

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.

Write down a journal of every time you have a cigarette and what your reasons were for having one. This journal will help you to find out what your smoking triggers are. For some it may be the first morning cigarette, or the need to smoke after a meal. For others, it may be stress. Determining your triggers will help you to figure out a way to fight them.

Smoking is something that just isn’t good for anyone, and it can not only harm you it can harm other people as well. So make the world a healthier place by promoting ways people and not only you can quit smoking and help set a good example that everyone can appreciate.

Tired Of Smoking? Advice For Giving It Up was originally published on Spring