Top Ten Tips to Quit Smoking Now

There are millions of smokers in the world, and most of them have tried to quit smoking at one time or another. Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe, you know that it is detrimental to your health. Nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco, has been likened, in intensity of addiction, to heroin and other illegal drugs.

People know WHY they should quit smoking: increased health, reduction of chance for various cancers and other diseases, pregnancy, a longer life, lack of stinkiness… but HOW to quit smoking is another story. Most smokers take five to nine tries before they are successful in quitting smoking. The following ten tips to quit smoking now will help you on your way to a nicotine-free life.

Figure Out Why You Smoke

You may have heard the saying that the first step in solving a problem is admitting you have one. As cliché as the phrase has become, it is undeniably true. You have to figure out why you smoke in order to get rid of those reasons and replace them with reasons why you should not smoke.

List Reasons NOT to Smoke

The next step is making a list of reasons why you should not smoke. Number one on the list might be health-related. Other reasons not to smoke include saving money or not smelly like cigarettes anymore.

Analyze Smoking Finances

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are becoming more a more expensive as governments tax them. An average smoker who smokes one pack of cigarettes each day may spend almost $2,000 a year on cigarettes alone. Imagine what that amount of money could do in a high yield savings account!

Quit With Others

It is easier to quit smoking if you do it with a group of people who are struggling at the same time. You can keep each other in line and offer advice and support through the tough times. There are various online resources for quitting in groups, and your local hospital may have meetings as well.

Tell Family and Friends Your Plans

Telling other people about your plans to quit smoking will also increase your chances of success. As annoying as it might be, having people remind you to not cheat and have a cigarette will help you.

Talk to Your Doctor

Of course, your family doctor should know that you are trying to quit smoking. He or she will be very happy and very willing to help you. If you find quitting extra difficult, there are even prescription medications that you can take. Your doctor can also recommend patches, gums, and other smoking cessation aids.

Throw Out Smoking Related Stuff

Perhaps the first step in quitting smoking is to get rid of all tobacco products, lighters, matches, ashtrays, and anything that smells strongly of smoke and can’t be washed. You are less likely to start smoking again if there is nothing that reminds you of it lying around.

Drink Water

Sipping water throughout the day will not only keep your mouth and hand busy in a very similar motion to smoking, but it will also help you filter toxins, such as nicotine, out of your body.

Keep Your Mouth Busy the No Calorie Way

Many people gain weight after smoking. This is due to a combination of a decreased metabolism and the simple habit of putting things in your mouth all the time. Keeping your mouth busy with non-caloric things is the way to quit smoking while not gaining weight.

You can use plastic straws, lollipop sticks, coffee stirrers, sugar-free gum or candies, cinnamon sticks, and toothpicks to keep your mouth busy.

Start an Exercise Plan

A great tip for quitting smoking and increasing health at the same time is to start an exercise plan when you quit. You will be able to better appreciate your increased lung power when taking a walk or a jog.

With these ten tips to help you quit smoking now, your probability of success will greatly increase. Quitting smoking will help you achieve a much higher level of health, and will reduce your chances of getting various horrible diseases and conditions. However addictive nicotine is, it is still possible to quit smoking with these great tips and tricks.