No easy task to stop smoking! Not only that smoking creates a physical dependence. Much more serious for many is the psychological habituation. Many everyday situations are mentally so associated with smoking that the smoker can not even imagine how to survive these situations without smoking. Often the actually bad habit also fulfills social functions, is mentally associated with sociability and relaxed breaks – or is supposedly the appropriate means to counter stress and psychologically stressful situations. Here are 12 effective tips to get you on the road to freedom.
12 Tips for quitting smoking
How to quit smoking and feel good about it:
- Set a date – it is easiest to quit from one day to the next so as not to increase the importance of cigarettes. Choose a day within the next two to three weeks.
- Keep yourself busy to distract yourself and not think about smoking! Banish all smoking paraphernalia!
- Drink as much as possible; always have a glass of water or juice ready and sip it from time to time. Also change the flavor sometimes.
- The human psyche is corruptible and wants short-term positive consequences! Take advantage of the money you would have otherwise spent on cigarettes to reward yourself with something special!
- Move more, do sports! Physical activity relaxes, lifts your mood, is healthy, distracts and prevents easy weight gain! So you kill several birds with one stone for a double healthy life!
- Also pay attention to healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables – overcomes you the craving for sweets, reach for sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets.
- Avoid situations that you firmly associate with smoking! For example, instead of coffee, drink a cup of tea and avoid lounges where there is a lot of smoking!
- If the craving overcomes you, consciously turn your attention to something else! There is no point in imagining how nice something would be that you actually do not want to do anymore! So rather direct your thoughts to something beautiful that you can do with a clear conscience and wholeheartedly. Craving attacks only last a short time and will pass – whether you smoke or not!
- Become aware of the importance of withdrawal symptoms! Your body is signaling to you that it is well on its way to recovering from the stresses of smoking and cleansing itself! Be glad about it! In addition, these accompanying symptoms usually disappear after a short time.
- To facilitate the withdrawal process, the nicotine from the cigarette can be replaced by the administration of nicotine with medication. This nicotine replacement therapy alleviates withdrawal symptoms. Let your pharmacist advise you!
- Stand firm. Neither a good news or bad mood allows them to smoke “just the one cigarette” – the one does not exist, they will soon want another “one” and another.
- Enjoy each day fully aware that they are free and no longer need cigarettes! Every single day is good for your health, your fellow men and your wallet – you can be proud of yourself.
Stabilization is important
Once you have stopped smoking, it is important to stabilize your success so that you do not relapse again. When the withdrawal is over, you should try to integrate the new behavior patterns into everyday life without cigarettes. You can also do this by involving those around you. Also reward yourself for your successes and be proud of what you have achieved – you will live a much healthier life from now on!
