The practical information contained in most quit smoking guides can be used even before one decides to stop smoking. The initial suggestion is about picking a date when to put an end to the habit. A smoker is instructed to write down the many reasons for his decision to stop smoking. This step is a helpful way in identifying the factors that trigger his craving. Some can guide a determined individual to lessen his cigarette sticks by refraining from smoking in certain circumstances like after meals and by performing alternative activities in lieu of smoking.
Renouncing the habit is difficult and most smokers suffer from relapses. These helpful tips can guide a smoker during the early phase of his therapy.
- Do not carry a single cigarette and lighter wherever you go. Keep or throw away all smoking paraphernalia such as ashtray, matches, etc. to avoid seeing something that can remind you of your habit. Prefer to be in places where smoking is not allowed such as library, movie house, museums, etc.
- Tell your family, friends and colleagues that you are withdrawing from smoking so they do not get offended when you keep your distance while they smoke. If you live with another smoker, you can tell him not to offer you a stick nor smoke in your presence. During the early stage, try to avoid smokers’ company to make sure you are far from being tempted to join their smoke billowing sessions. Hang out with friends who do not smoke.
- When you feel the urge, breathe deeply and focus on how you are regaining your health back. Find something to do and get busy with something until the desire is gone. Engaging in some exercise routine can help you relax.
- Find a good substitute for cigarette. If you have ingrained the habit of ending a good meal with a few puffs, you can instead eat sugar-free candies or chewing gums. Do not replace your cigarette smoking with sugar-based or high-calorie foods otherwise you may gain weight or suffer from other illnesses related with these foods.
The withdrawal symptoms are the unpleasant feelings that accompany a smoker once he starts to stop from smoking.
The body longs for the instant pleasure derived in inhaling nicotine which is the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. If the craving is not satisfied, the smoker may feel various discomfiting sensations such as:
crankiness
headache
insomnia
dry mouth
loss of concentration
extreme mood swings
These symptoms may occur immediately after the body senses the loss of nicotine. These are all the usual, normal, but inconvenient difficulties experienced by smokers who want to quit. These are also what cause some of them to abandon their plan and go back to smoking again. However, you need to stay in control and keep in mind you owe it to yourself to continue regardless of these difficulties.
Soon enough, you may merit the full swing reward because all these symptoms are bound to disappear in two-week’s time. It is best to be reminded that undergoing the withdrawal systems is a lot easier than having to suffer and shoulder the expenses in treating the major diseases associated with smoking.
The desire to smoke cannot be removed from the system easily especially if there are many association and reminders about smoking. A smoker who plans to quit may still continue some of his daily routine that is capped by smoking. However, these are also good opportunities to test his determination to quit if he can overcome the craving in the midst of these tempting scenarios. It is possible to have a relapse. Do not lose hope. Do not surrender. This is when quit smoking guides come to the rescue.