| Everyone knows the dangers of smoking as the | | | | day. The next thing to do is write down your reasons |
| health risks are everywhere even on a cigarette | | | | why. This could be better health, more energy, more |
| packet. However, many people find it very difficult to | | | | money saved or even whiter teeth. Writing these |
| give up even when they know the damage it can do | | | | down will reinforce your commitment to quit. |
| to their bodies. For most people the health risk is not | | | | The process of quitting can be done in two ways. The |
| effective in getting them to give up. To give up | | | | more drastic option is to stop smoking completely and |
| smoking you need to take responsibility and make a | | | | the other way is to cut down gradually. The first |
| commitment to kick the habit. | | | | method will bring on the withdrawals symptoms much |
| Here are a few suggestions to help you quit: | | | | quicker and more intense so, you need to be sure you |
| Support | | | | have the discipline to do it. |
| Although quitting is up to you the journey ahead can | | | | Distractions |
| be made a lot easier by having the support of family | | | | Cutting down on the cigarettes gradually is probably |
| and friends along the way. Whoever you choose tell | | | | the easier option. If you smoke ten a day then smoke |
| them what you are going to do and make it clear how | | | | one less cigarette each day. Prepare by giving |
| important their support is to get you through this. There | | | | yourself enough distractions to stem the urge to light |
| may be a point where a relapse is possible and at this | | | | up. Use healthy alternatives like fruits, mints or gum. If |
| point the support of family and friends can make all the | | | | you feel the urge to put a cigarette in your mouth use |
| difference by giving you the courage and belief you | | | | one of those instead. |
| need to follow through. | | | | The most effective distraction is taking regular |
| Another way to prepare yourself is to speak to your | | | | exercise. It also has the added benefit of keeping you |
| doctor to get advice on nicotine substitutes to help you | | | | fit and helps you get rid of the toxins in your body. |
| with the withdrawal systems. Also, check support | | | | If you socialise with friends who smoke then avoid |
| groups in your local area as going through this with | | | | them until you have successfully quit. Make sure you |
| people in the same situation will be a great help. | | | | explain why you are doing it so they understand. |
| Set Your Goal | | | | Change certain habits for example, a lot of smokers |
| Writing down your goals is a very effective method in | | | | have the habit of lighting up after eating a meal. If you |
| helping you achieve them as it makes it clear in your | | | | have this habit and you feel the trigger to light up get |
| mind what you need to aim for. Begin by choosing a | | | | up immediately from the table and do an activity that |
| date that you will decide to quit smoking and write it | | | | will distract you such as washing the dishes. |
| down and put it in a place where you will see it every | | | | |