You may be reading this article because of a recent doctor’s appointment, or because you have other concerns related to your health that are compelling you to quit smoking. Even if you do not feel motivated to quit, do not fear. You can quit smoking by equipping yourself with knowledge.

If you have decided to stop smoking, mentally prepare yourself for what’s ahead. Try to focus on the fact that you can stop, and that this is not an impossible dream. Set an official “quit date” and even consider adding it to your calendar. By taking such a positive approach, your chances of quitting will increase.

Be easy when you quit smoking. Avoid quitting cold turkey, which seldom works. Statistically, people who try cold turkey fail 95% of the time. Since nicotine is so addictive, it’s important to use a method that includes a prescription or nicotine patches or gum. This will ease you through the difficult early withdrawal stages and make quitting easier.

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.

Acupuncture can help you to quit smoking. Acupuncture involves putting some very tiny needles into specific points on your body. It can remove toxins and help to treat unpleasant mental and physical withdraw symptoms. Be sure to see a reputable and trained professional for this type of treatment, because it can be dangerous if not done correctly.

You may want to try nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine withdrawal can make you feel depressed, restless, frustrated or irritable. Cravings can sometimes seem overwhelming. Nicotine replacement products such as gum can be very effective in dealing with cravings. Studies have shown that people who use some sort of nicotine replacement product are twice as likely to successfully quit smoking. Avoid nicotine replacements like lozenges or gum if you’re still smoking.

Commit yourself totally to your decision to quit smoking. If you are determined to quit smoking then put your whole soul into the effort. Announce to family and close friends that you are quitting and need support. Write down your specific goals and make them as detailed as you can. Also write down your individual reasons for quitting. Post both lists where you can easily see them – like the bathroom mirror. Join a support group and attend meetings, whether online or in person. Go all in and make this happen.

Make sure you treat yourself as if you are a smoking addict. Never let yourself take a single puff. This one puff may seem harmless, but it can actually reignite your inner need for cigarettes. No matter how long you have remained smoke free, you should keep yourself from ever taking “just” a casual puff.

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.

Once you commit to quitting smoking, give your home, car and other personal spaces and effects a thorough cleaning. Smelling smoke will only make you want to smoke. Likewise, your sense of smell will improve the longer you go without smoking, and cleaning will give you a chance to appreciate just how bad the smoke made your items smell.

When you are fighting the urge to smoke, go and do some exercise. Not only will your body benefit while you are keeping fit, the physical activity can help to keep the urges at bay. Anything that can be used as a distraction while you are working through the crave is a great tool to use.

To get off to the best possible start, talk to your doctor about your plan to quit smoking. Your doctor can be a valuable source of information and support and can also recommend the most effective way to quit, as well as, how to deal with the negative effects of nicotine withdrawal.

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.

As you can see, it is possible to reclaim your health from smoking by quitting. This is a massive lifestyle change, but it can make an enormous difference to the overall quality of your life. The above tips should be of assistance to you when you begin your own journey to quit smoking.

How To Quit Smoking: Secrets For Success was originally published on Spring