How To Quit Smoking: Five Steps To Nixing The Nicotine

According to the United States Surgeon General, "smoking cessation represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." This isn't exactly breaking news to smokers, though. There isn't a smoker in the world who doesn't know that he or she should quit smoking. After all, why wouldn't you want to quit? It's better for your health and it's better for your pocketbook. Unfortunately, it's not nearly as easy as simply wanting to quit.

This article's not about drugs or supplements that can help you stop smoking. If you're looking for those, you should talk to your doctor. We're here to tell you that (while those things do have a place and can be part of a successful quitting strategy), you don't need those things. You can quit based on your own willpower. If you apply the following strategies, you will greatly increase your chance of quitting:

1. Get in the right frame of mind. Get pumped up about quitting! Decide that you are going to stop smoking and promise yourself that you will stick to it. Ask your friends and family to hold you accountable for your promise. Set a firm date after which you will never take another puff. Ultimately, you will decide whether you ever smoke again. You hold the power over the cigarettes, not the other way around.

2. Change your environment. Throw out all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays. Don't let anyone smoke in your home. Stop hanging around smokers. Instead, start focusing on the things you need to do to make your environment a healthy one.

3. Learn some new behaviors. Figure out things that you can do to minimize cravings. Changing your daily routine can help. For example, if you usually start the day with a coffee and a cigarette, try having tea instead. When you feel a craving coming on, do something to take your mind off of it (such as going on a brisk walk or taking a relaxing bath). Remember to drink a lot of water so that you stay hydrated, as this can help minimize cravings.

4. Avoid alcohol. Drinking makes you more likely to smoke. It lowers your inhibitions and can decrease your willpower. Plus, many people associate drinking with smoking. Having even one beer can make you relapse.

5. Don't expect it to be easy! Quitting smoking is hard, but it's well worth it to endure the hardships. You will feel crappy at times. You may gain a bit of weight (but you will lose it again shortly - and you'll be a lot healthier in the long-run). If you expect these to experience tough times, they will be much easier to deal with.