Don't Wait For Tomorrow - Quit Smoking Now

Many smokers had their first cigarette out of curiosity. Some lighted their first cigarette to fight boredom, others because of peer pressure. Many teenagers learned how to smoke out of rebellion against their parents, the authority and the world.

Lighting that first cigarette probably did not give you a second thought. Starting a habit is usually very easy. Getting hooked on it will not really take so long, especially if done frequently, but getting out of it is the most difficult and painful part. When the will power to stop smoking dwindles, how can you achieve triumph over your addiction?

If your reason for smoking is for pleasure or relaxation, substituting it with a healthier habit is best way to do it. If you feel the urge to smoke in order to relax, try to distract yourself by listening to music or reading a book. If you feel that smoking provides the stimulation you need, try substituting it with a vigorous exercise or sports. A good exercise session releases endorphins, the "feel good" hormones. Exercise can provide you with the "high" that you need. You can also find other more interesting things to do in order to distract your attention away from a cigarette.

If you find handling a cigarette enjoyable, try doing something else with your hands like fiddling with coins, paper clips or pencils. Try to do some drawings or do some knitting or cross-stitch. These can help you overcome the urge to smoke if handling a cigarette is an important cause of your smoking habit. If tension is the reason why you smoke, try other healthier approaches to cope with your problem. These could include exercise, chewing a sugar free gum or learning some relaxation techniques like yoga. However, if it is the "kick" that nicotine provides which drives you to smoke, there is no other way than to bear the trauma and the consequence of giving up. A single attempt to stop is highly advised if you have a real craving for nicotine since gradually cutting down nicotine consumption will not be very beneficial.

You can stop smoking by watching out for situations that are very conducive to your smoking habit. These could be situations like writing a letter, watching television, drinking coffee, making a phone call or waiting for the bus. If you smoke out of habit, it will be helpful if you change your everyday routine. If doing a routine connects you to smoking, try to avoid performing that routine. Create variations in your daily activities. If drinking coffee during break time leads you to smoke a cigarette, try substituting coffee with a glass of grapefruit or orange juice. It has been observed that citrus juice most often removes the desire to smoke.

Make it a habit to patronize smoke free restaurants or try to sit in the non-smoking area. Avoid going to bars for a drink. Most bar patrons smoke and you will only be tempted to smoke with them. In order to stop smoking, remove all ashtrays from your home and car. Vacuum the carpets and upholstery and get rid of the cigarette odor. When traveling, always sit in the non-smoking sections of the plane, bus or train.

A lot of smokers give up smoking without suffering any uncomfortable side effects. How long have you been planning to stop smoking? You should start now and give yourself a healthier future.

Michael Russell Your Independent Stop Smoking guide.