Do you think you are too addicted to quit smoking? Quitting smoking is not an easy decision to come to. Many people struggle with this question every day. Mark Twain said it best, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”
Why should I quit smoking? According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) there are thousands of chemicals, besides nicotine, like Butane, Carbon Monoxide, DDT (insecticide), Lead, even Polonium-210 (radioactive fallout) in every cigarette you inhale. These chemicals not only interfere with your taste and smell they also inhibit your ability to lead a healthy life.
Below, with help from the (ACS), is a laundry list of steps you can take now to help you in your quest to kick the habit.
1. First you have to decide that you want to quit
- Make a list of reasons why you want to quit.
- Make a list of ways you will deal with your urges to smoke: keep things around that will help with your urges such as hard candy (regular or sugar free), gum (regular or sugar free) and healthy snacks. You can also do things when you have smoking urges as well: do something with your hands, change your scenery, listen to music or watch TV, call a friend or a smoking hotline, take a walk, jog or some other workout.
- Keep the list where you will see it in your car, in your office, on the fridge and in your pocket.
- Learn how to relax.
- Decide how you are going to quit. Will you seek medicinal therapy, a class or another stop smoking program, or a hotline?
- Remember don’t give up! Don’t think it won’t hurt to have one cigarette, it will hurt!
- Plan to reward yourself.
2. OK, you said yes to quitting smoking! Prepare a plan
- Set a quit date.
- Tell your doctor or health practitioner, family, friends and co-workers.
- Prepare for challenges like developing a support network.
- Remove All cigarettes from your life.
3. Keeping on quitting
- Keep reminding yourself that just “one puff” will undo all the good you’ve done.
- Keep on practicing your relaxation techniques.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Exercise and eat healthy.
Although quitting smoking is difficult the rewards to your physical health are almost immediate as your lungs start to heal themselves. After several weeks and months you start to notice you are able to be more physically active, you and your clothes start to smell better, your fingers and hair start to lose that dingy yellow appearance. You just start to feel better and your physical health will start to improve.
After reading this post please share your experiences. Now go make your lists and start quitting!
Recommended Products
- By: Alex
What do you think? Join the discussion...
You must be logged in to post a comment.