A Quit Smoking Guide For Those Who Want This Quit To Be The Quit
You want this quit to be the quit - the one that lasts you a lifetime. You are looking for permanent freedom from nicotine addiction when you stub out the last cigarette, signaling the beginning of smoking cessation - even though most people doubt your ability to succeed for the long term. However, with some education about what to expect when you quit smoking and a few tools to help you along, you can find the freedom you dream so much of - a life that no longer includes even the slightest thought of smoking or the smallest twinge of desire for a cigarette.
Misconceptions about the nature of addiction and the process of quitting tobacco can set smokers who are trying to quit up for failure. Build a strong quit program by educating yourself about the process of recovery from nicotine addiction. Learning about common pitfalls puts you in the best position to avoid them and finally become smoke-free. Smoking cessation is a process, not an event. When you quit smoking, you are letting go of a habit that most people have carried for many years, if not all of the adult lives. It is only fair to expect that breaking down the old associations that tied you to smoking and replacing them with new, healthier habits will take some time. Sit back, relax, and think of time as one of your best quit buddies. The more of it you put between you and that last cigarette you smoked, the stronger you will become. Have patience with yourself, and with the process. Have some of the following items within easy reach, both at home, and in the car. These things will help you weather the urge to smoke more easily.
* Flavored toothpicks.
* Straws or coffee stirrers.
* Hard candies to suck on. Butterscotch and cinnamon drops are favorites.
* Sunflower seeds in the shell. Very messy, but a great way to keep your hands and mouth busy.
* Bottled water. Water is nature's best quit aid in my opinion. It beats back cravings to smoke, and by keeping yourself well hydrated, you will improve how you feel overall. Always carry a bottle of water with you in the car.
* Raw vegetables and fruits for snacking. Keep containers of clean produce ready to eat in the refrigerator. Try freezing whole grapes and have small bags of them ready for snacking in the freezer.
* Cinnamon sticks.
* Herbal teas. There are several calming teas on the market today. Taking 15 minutes to drink a cup of tea and honey will go a long way toward calming you and beating the urge to smoke at the same time.
