Tips To Quit Smoking
Most people will tell you that the first seventy two hours are the most difficult ones for quitting smoking. That is the time during which the symptoms are the hardest to get through since the craving for nicotine will be strongest in that time period. This difficult time is especially hard for the person who decides to quit by going it cold turkey. Those who use nicotine replacement treatments will find it different as the nicotine adjustment is slower and easier on the body. But so many people prefer to go it alone, to quit smoking and then use nothing except their resolve to make it through that there are different tips for those who quit in different ways.
The most important tip for those going cold turkey is to remember that the nicotine is what your body craves and that giving in to that craving even once will mean starting all over again with quitting. Telling yourself that one cigarette will not hurt is a fallacy and will destroy your resolve not help it. Do not forget that smoking is an addiction and that like any addiction it is hard to let go of. Your body is craving the nicotine just like an alcoholic craves liquor or a heroin addict needs the next hit.
Measure your victory in days and be proud of your accomplishments. Reward yourself as you pass certain goals. Do not look at quitting as the forever thing you are trying to accomplish. The first day be pleased as the hours pass; maybe even count the first few days in hours of success. But then, look at each day as a victory. As you reach each goal allow yourself a little reward. Perhaps after a few days treat yourself to a fast food meal or something else you enjoy like ice cream. After a week buy yourself a little something special. Do not think of it as a waste of money since you would be spending the money on cigarettes and are no longer doing that.
Once you have quit your eating habits will be something very important to watch. Do not skip meals. Food will finally have a taste again and enjoying it is an okay thing to do. If you are worried about weight gain be sure to eat healthier, have good snacks in the house to enjoy like carrot sticks or celery stalks. Drink lots of water, especially in the first three days, it helps to flush the nicotine from the body.
The other thing you will need to control while quitting smoking is your alcohol intake. This is another support and is not the one you want to replace the cigarettes with. As well, watch your caffeine intake. Nicotine changes the way the body absorbs caffeine and without it the caffeine will feel like it has doubled and make it difficult for the new non-smoker to neither sleep nor feel calm. At first try to cut the caffeine by half until the body readjusts. Remember the first three days are your toughest, from there it is all motivation and resolve.