10 Ways to Stop Smoking Successfully

Smoking is an addiction that is extremely difficult to stop, especially for people that have smoked for many years. At one time, people did not know that smoking was dangerous to their health but now that this is a proven fact, most smokers are looking for ways to quit. Many are concerned about their health, smoking-related diseases, the cost of smoking or other reasons and become determined to quit smoking. Although nicotine addiction is very powerful, thousands of people quit every year, even ones that did not think they could do it. There is no simple way to make stopping smoking pain-free and easy but you can succeed if you make the commitment, are determined to give it up and come up with a plan to help guide you through the process until you no longer smoke.

Even though we shall give you 10 ideas below to help you in your attempt to stop smoking, perhaps the first and most important condition is that you should really want to give up smoking. If you are not absolutely 100% convinced that you really want to stop smoking, it will be extremely difficult to succeed. But how can you convince yourself? Start by imagining how you'll feel when you stop smoking: no more gasping for breath, no more worries about terrible diseases, your food will taste so much better... And just imagine what you can do with all the money you save. Are you going to spend it on yourself, on your children...?

From the very beginning it is important to start by learning several ways to fight the urge or temptation to smoke. If you have figured out ways in advance to avoid smoking when the urge strikes, you are certainly on your way to winning the battle.

To be successful, both mental and physical fitness are necessary so be sure to get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids and if you do not have an exercise program already, start one as soon as possible. Make sure you set realistic expectations because, although it will not be easy to give up smoking, thousands of people across the country quit smoking every day, and you can also. And if you get discouraged, just remember that the withdrawal symptoms will disappear after a few weeks, so don't give up.

Here are 10 ways to quit smoking that are sure to succeed, starting with support.

1. You have a far greater chance of success at stopping smoking if you have support from others that understand what you are experiencing because they have already gone through this. Getting encouragement and having someone to turn to when you want to give up or feel depressed will keep you going.
2. Quitting with your spouse, friends or sibling often helps, as you can work together and support each other to overcome this addiction.
3. Switch brands, select cigarettes low in nicotine and tar or select a brand you dislike to make quitting easier.
4. Cut down by only smoking outside or smoking half a cigarette and butting it out.
5. Postpone your first cigarette of the day by one hour.
6. Drink water, orange juice or other fluids when you get the urge to smoke.
7. When you quit, throw away your lighters, cigarettes and ashtrays.
8. Brush your teeth after a meal instead of immediately lighting up.
9. Go to places that prohibit smoking, exercise and keep busy.
10. Take a short walk every day.

Recovery from a nicotine addiction takes time but if you really want to, you can beat the smoking habit.