How to Successfully Quit Smoking for the New Year.
Your recurring New Year’s Resolution to quit smoking has arrived again. The January 1st date is looming. This time you really want to succeed. But in the past, quitting hasn’t been easy for you. You need to realize that quitting smoking may not happen the first time around. Most people quit numerous times before they succeed. Consider each period of time that you succeed in not smoking as a success. It is an accomplishment!
There are many resources available to help you in your quest to quit smoking. A good place to start for help is with your own family doctor. Your doctor may be able to recommend options that are best suited to you. Some doctors can prescribe medication to help. There are many over the counter options also. You can purchase the gum or the patch. Some insurance companies may offer you discounts or help with purchasing these items. Call your insurance carrier to find out what they can offer to you. Some people have even found hypnotists helpful.
If you have already tried all of these options in the past and found they were unable to help you permanently quit smoking, you can try joining an on-line support web site. There are many sites dedicated to helping you quit smoking. The government has an excellent site dedicated to smoking cessation help at www.cdc.gov. This site offers tips and resources to help you finally quit smoking.
In the meantime, to help you get started here are some helpful hints:
• Remove all ashtrays, lighters, matches, and ashtrays from your house, office, and vehicle.
• Be prepared to combat urges by having something available to occupy your mouth and hands. Try gum, toothpicks, or a small stress ball.
• When the urge to smoke overcomes you, try meditation. Close your eyes (if you can) and take several slow, deep breaths in and out until the urge passes. The urge usually only lasts a few moments.
• Write down your reasons for quitting. When you feel like succumbing to an urge pull out the list and read it over.
• Avoid people smoking so that you won’t be tempted.
• Go to places you are not allowed to smoke: malls, movies, stores, etc.
• Avoid engaging in activities that you associate with smoking when you can. If you can’t, have something (like gum) available to help you combat the urge when it comes.
