Facing the Challenge of Quitting Smoking

There are many reasons why you may have decided to face the challenge of quitting smoking. Obviously there are many health risks associated with smoking. But that’s not all. It has become less socially accepted in many parts of the world. The ban on smoking in many places mean it is harder to smoke when you are out now. In addition there are financial reasons to quit.

However smoking is addictive, and if you have become dependent on cigarettes, you may have a difficult time just stopping. Despite all the warnings about the harmful effects of smoking on health, a lot of people still do it.

Your reason to quit

So why do you want to take on the challenge of quitting smoking anyway? Like many things in life it is easier to achieve a goal if you have a definite “why” for wanting to achieve it.

Many smokers get to the stage where they want to quit. Sometimes this is because of a health scare or a change in lifestyle. If you get in to a relationship with a non smoker you may have an incentive to give up. Perhaps they don’t like the habit. Certainly the smell of nicotine on your clothes and breath can be a turn off for some people.

The other life change that may bring another reason to kick the habit is pregnancy or raising children. When you realize you are affecting more than just your own health you may be spurred to action.

Perhaps you think you could give up if you wanted to and plan on doing it next month or next year. You don’t want to admit you are addicted. But if you have decided to stop then why wait. The longer you leave it, the harder it will be. If not now, when?

Giving up smoking is easy, I’ve done it lots of times.

Oscar Wilde

Once you have made the decision, then take action. It won’t become easier in the future and your health will only suffer. And don’t be like Oscar Wilde and give up for the holidays or for this event or that event. Too many people get through a few weeks and then fall back in to the old routine. How do you stop that happening and win the daunting challenge of quitting smoking once and for all?

 

In quitting, your biggest asset will be your willpower and determination. That’s why it is good to focus on your reasons for stopping and the benefits it will bring. Whether your main driving force is health, your relationships or money keep that in mind. Reward is a better motivation than any punishment.

You may get lots of well-meaning advice on how to quit smoking, but it is really your determination that will help you get through the tough times. Just remember that it is never going to be easy.  Once you make the decision stick to it.

Best way to quit smoking

Exactly how to stop smoking will depend to a certain extent on your personality and strength of mind. I know people who made the decision, threw their remaining cigarettes away and never smoked again.

For most people this is probably not a viable proposition. Smoking is addictive and like any drug there will be a withdrawal stage that will test your resolve. You may decide that for you it is better to do it slowly but surely.

You can get nicotine patches that you put on your skin so that you get a small dose of nicotine and can wean yourself off.

Some other people switch to e-cigarettes. While this is better than the nicotine and tar from normal cigarettes there is some doubt over their long term effects.

If you need help in the process then there are clinics where you can get advice and support. You could even try hypnosis which many people find helpful.

Make the challenge of quitting smoking easier by changing your routine

One of the hardest things that you may come across is that it is actually the ritual of smoking that is hardest to leave behind. This is especially true if there is an action that you associate with smoking. If you always smoke after a meal or when you go to a bar then this could be a problem. Some smokers find they don’t know what to do with their hands. You may even light a cigarette without even thinking.

In the short term it would be a good idea to avoid places where you know that people will be smoking. Perhaps you don’t want to go to a pub if you know your friends will all be smoking. It’s better to plan activities that keep your mind of smoking.

Enjoy sports, go swimming or go to watch a movie. Stick to places and activities where it is impossible to smoke. If you have children then take them to the park and kick a ball around. That’s if you are fit enough.

If you get out of breath running around then that should make you realize why you need to stick with it. Once you have kicked your smoking habit you will have more energy and better lung health so will be able to do more of this.

Be accountable

If you have non-smoking friends then spend more time with them.Tell them and your work colleagues that you are giving up smoking. Making a public declaration will make you accountable. They will also be able to give you encouragement.

The other factor that can act as an incentive and motivation to persist when the going gets tough is to appreciate the money you will save. Why not put the money you would spend on cigarettes in a jar and watch it mount up. Set milestones and treat yourself to little luxuries when you achieve them.

 

Your friends and family can act as accountability partners and give you encouragement but they can’t do it for you. You hold the key to success. It is your determination that will enable you to reach your goal. It is you who will decide whether you light that last fag or not.

If you are planning to stop smoking, now is the best time. Today is better than next week. Facing the challenge of quitting smoking will make for a brighter and healthier future. Smoking has no upside and giving up will bring only benefits for you, your loved ones and your wallet.