Some people have compared quitting smoking to the act of a camel walking through the eye of a needle, just impossible. It is interesting to realize that starting to smoke may take less time, but stopping may not be so easy. Smokers should realize that smoking is harmful to their health and should do everything at their disposal to quit it. Smoking has negative effects such as lung cancer, heart attack, stroke, children born underweight, bad breath, social rejection and many more. The following are some of the recommendations for those who want to stop smoking.
Getting Started
The first step is for you to decide that you have to stop smoking for without purpose, it will be in vain, even if there is pressure from friends or relatives. One must sit down and understand why he started smoking and what benefits he or she will get when one quits. He or she must make sure that their reasons for quitting are more powerful than for continuing with the habit. After the resolution to quit has been made, the smoker should set the date when he or she will stop. This should be approximately two weeks from the date the person decided to do away with this behavior. A great and memorable day may be chosen for example the beginning of the month, year or after one’s birthday. The day should be free from anything that gives one stress.
Support and Counseling
One should also obtain advice from a counselor or a medical practitioner especially if he or she has health problems. It is also important for one to look for other people who may be willing to quit and they can form a support group. This is because they can keep each other accountable and encourage one another. If one does not find people to support them however, it is possible to do it individually. It is also important to inform relatives and friends who may want one to stop about his or her intensions. Be accountable to them each day and be frank regarding your experiences.
You should also try to always to be active and eat well to get energy and to relieve stress. Avoid people who smoke and places such as bars that promote this habit. If the cravings come, keep yourself busy by taking a walk and taking a deep breath. One should also be positive minded that he or she is able to quit. If he had tried to quit before and failed, he should arm himself with a solution against that hindrance.