11 Steps for Quitting Smoking

<h1>11 Steps for Quitting Smoking</h1>Author: <a title="Megan" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/megan/153618.htm">Megan</a> There is no one way to stop smoking. Everyone's body is different, and everyone's reaction to nicotine and to withdrawals is going to be a little bit different. However, there are some good patterns you can use if you're ready to start down the path to quitting. <ol> <li>You have to start thinking about quitting first. Talk to non-smokers about what they think about smoking, look at yourself in the mirror, check into the benefits of quitting. Think about all of the negatives of continuing to smoke, and the positives of becoming a non-smoker. </li> <li>Look into quitting itself. Talk to people who have quit, and think about what it will be like when you quit. Wait a little longer than usual to light up when you have a craving so that you can really see what you're up against. Become aware of your smoking patterns and think about ways to change them. </li> <li>Modify your habit. Switch to a healthier brand (lower tar), smoke fewer cigarettes per day, adopt a new hobby that doesn't gel well with a smoking habit, like dancing, swimming, or gourmet cooking. </li> <li>Decide to quit, but don't set a date yet. Keep a journal of how many cigarettes your use every day and start cutting back. Buy packs instead of cartons, and start identifying cigarette triggers. </li> <li>Set a date for quitting and create a system to help you get there. Stay away from other smokers whenever you can, switch brands with each pack, start putting money in the bank that you can have after you've been clean for a certain period of time. </li> <li>Go 24 hours without smoking. Make sure you have plenty to do that day - consider having your teeth cleaned, washing the smoke out of all of your clothes, and throwing away your ashtrays as part of your day. </li> <li>Complete your first week - and reward yourself. Notice all of the good things about quitting, like the taste of food. Stay away from drinking and smoking areas as much as possible, and instead treat yourself to baths and massages to help you relax. </li> <li>After a month, start a regular exercise routine (quitting can cause you to gain weight - exercise is key once your lung capacity goes up). Do stress-reducing exercises. </li> <li>After your first 3 months, increase your exercise. At this point, you should start to cut back on any nicotine replacement products you might be using. </li> <li>After a year, make sure you throw a party to celebrate.</li> <li>Don't forget that a relapse is not a failure. If you slip at any point, just go back a step or two and keep going until you succeed. </li> </ol>About the Author: Megan Winegar is the Web Editor for <a href="http://www.overstockdrugstore.com/">OverstockDrugstore.com</a>. She also writes the content and code for the emails that OverstockDrugstore sends out to subscribing customers (complete with coupons and price drops), and is working to make the copy on the site more straightforward and customer-friendly. Feel free to subscribe to the email list on the main page of OverstockDrugstore.com and find the internet's best deals on health and beauty products you use every day, including <a href="http://www.overstockdrugstore.com/brands/nicoderm.html" target="_new">Nicoderm patches</a>.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/11-steps-for-quitting-smoking-1022521.html" title="11 Steps for Quitting Smoking">11 Steps for Quitting Smoking</a>

There is no one way to stop smoking. Everyone's body is different, and everyone's reaction to nicotine and to withdrawals is going to be a little bit different. However, there are some good patterns you can use if you're ready to start down the path to quitting.

You have to start thinking about quitting first. Talk to non-smokers about what they think about smoking, look at yourself in the mirror, check into the benefits of quitting. Think about all of the negatives of continuing to smoke, and the positives of becoming a non-smoker.
Look into quitting itself. Talk to people who have quit, and think about what it will be like when you quit. Wait a little longer than usual to light up when you have a craving so that you can really see what you're up against. Become aware of your smoking patterns and think about ways to change them.
Modify your habit. Switch to a healthier brand (lower tar), smoke fewer cigarettes per day, adopt a new hobby that doesn't gel well with a smoking habit, like dancing, swimming, or gourmet cooking.
Decide to quit, but don't set a date yet. Keep a journal of how many cigarettes your use every day and start cutting back. Buy packs instead of cartons, and start identifying cigarette triggers.
Set a date for quitting and create a system to help you get there. Stay away from other smokers whenever you can, switch brands with each pack, start putting money in the bank that you can have after you've been clean for a certain period of time.
Go 24 hours without smoking. Make sure you have plenty to do that day - consider having your teeth cleaned, washing the smoke out of all of your clothes, and throwing away your ashtrays as part of your day.
Complete your first week - and reward yourself. Notice all of the good things about quitting, like the taste of food. Stay away from drinking and smoking areas as much as possible, and instead treat yourself to baths and massages to help you relax.
After a month, start a regular exercise routine (quitting can cause you to gain weight - exercise is key once your lung capacity goes up). Do stress-reducing exercises.
After your first 3 months, increase your exercise. At this point, you should start to cut back on any nicotine replacement products you might be using.
After a year, make sure you throw a party to celebrate.
Don't forget that a relapse is not a failure. If you slip at any point, just go back a step or two and keep going until you succeed.

Megan Winegar is the Web Editor for OverstockDrugstore.com. She also writes the content and code for the emails that OverstockDrugstore sends out to subscribing customers (complete with coupons and price drops), and is working to make the copy on the site more straightforward and customer-friendly. Feel free to subscribe to the email list on the main page of OverstockDrugstore.com and find the internet's best deals on health and beauty products you use every day, including Nicoderm patches.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/quit-smoking-articles/11-steps-for-quitting-smoking-1022521.html

Article Tags: quit smoking, cigarette addiction, nicotine addiction, nicotine patches

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Quit Smoking Articles
More from Megan

Reasons To Stop Smoking ... Paul Knew Them All

By: Dave Tishendorf | 09/11/2009
"I am angry that he left us because he thought his obligation to a weed was greater than his obligation to the people who loved him." This is the personal story of how the author's best friend, a longtime heavy smoker, died of lung disease.

A1 Method to Quit Smoking and Ease Withdrawal Symptoms

By: Nan Sipes | 08/11/2009
Are you desperately searching for a method to quit smoking and ease withdrawal symptoms? Are you a smoker who is on the verge of quitting but fear the withdrawal symptoms might prove to be too much for you? Let me show you how a nicotine replacement aid can help.

Creatively Using a Nicotine Test Kit to Help Quit Smoking

By: Victor Battles, M.D. | 08/11/2009
A test kit which measures the equivalent of nicotine concentration in the body can be used as a tool to encourage you to stop smoking and reduce the likelihood of relapse after you have quit.

Stop Smoking America - 4 Steps to Quit Smoking

By: Nan Sipes | 07/11/2009
I want to share 4 simple steps to quit smoking because the The Great American Smokeout day is approaching and it is time to stop smoking America! Instead of quitting for just a day, make it a lifetime commitment. I did it 15 years ago and you can too! Begin with these 4 simple steps.

I Want to Stop Smoking! - You Can with Nicotine Replacement Aids!

By: Nan Sipes | 07/11/2009
If you keep saying, "I want to stop smoking", then you are one of millions hoping to beat the nicotine addiction. As an ex smoker myself, I know that simply making the statement will not make it happen but there are proven and effective ways that do work. Nicotine replacement aids will get you on the road to beating your addiction. They are proven to make quitting easier! One worked for me and one can work for you too! Here is how they work.

Easy Technique to Clear Your Lungs That Are Damaged by Smoking

By: bob bee | 06/11/2009
Have you been smoking for a number of years? Discover what you should do to clear your lungs if they have been damage by smoking.

Road to Lung Recovery with Smokeless Cigarettes

By: Aaron | 06/11/2009
This new concept is quite interesting and allows you the choice to live your life healthier using a new vapor technology produced in the smokeless cigarettes.

What happens when you quit smoking? Learn the great benefits in this in depth article!

By: David Lulz | 05/11/2009
See the detailed about how you can experience the great benefits of giving up cigarettes!

Washing Your Hands Effectively

By: Megan | 03/11/2009 | Wellness
There's been a lot of talk about flu prevention lately. The best thing you can do (besides staying home and avoiding exposure to germs) is to make sure that you're washing your hands frequently to keep germs from getting past that lovely piece of your immune system known as your skin and into other places like your mouth or eyes when you touch them. However, washing your hands the right way is important too. Here are some tips for making sure your efforts are good for something - both the whens

Dealing With Cold Sores

By: Megan | 31/10/2009 | Health
Cold sores usually start the same way - first a little painful spot under the skin like a blind pimple. Sometimes there's a painful tingling a couple of days before, which is called the prodrome. This usually explodes into a puss-filled blister (or group of blisters) that lasts for a lovely seven to ten days.

Skin Care That Works

By: Megan | 23/10/2009 | Health
So the fact is that you're stuck with your skin. You'll have it for your whole life, and no matter how often skin cells flake off and repair themselves, you're ultimately stuck with the same skin - the same wrinkles, freckles, skin damage; whatever you do to it is going to be yours forever afterward. On that cheerful note, here are some key tips for keeping your skin healthy.

Dealing With Your Dry Scalp and Hair

By: Megan | 13/10/2009 | Health
Whether you have an itchy, dry scalp or dry, static-filled hair, you're looking for a way to get some consistent moisture into it. There are all kinds of ways to solve the problem. Here are a few.

Hairstyles for Men

By: Megan | 13/10/2009 | Health
There are all kinds of options for women's hair, but guys don't get headbands and flowers (generally) to spice things up. What are the options for you, guys?

How to Calm an Upset Stomach

By: Megan | 07/10/2009 | Wellness
Okay, I know you aren't seven anymore, but somehow even without the option of running to "Mommy" with a "tummy ache," you still end up with crazy discomfort in your stomach, maybe more frequently than you really think it should happen. However, the difference is that now you know where such things come from and can take control of the problem, right? Or if you don't, there's always this article.

Cutting Your Kid's Hair

By: Megan | 02/10/2009 | Health
Kids need hair cuts just like adults. However, cutting a kid's hair isn't as easy as cutting an a adult's, if only because kids wiggle and adults don't. Here are some quick tips if you need to give the little darlings a trim. Don't forget that to start, you need to be extra careful and very patient.

Coping with Diabetes: Be Connected

By: Megan | 29/09/2009 | Diseases & Conditions
Being diagnosed with diabetes is terrifying. You have so many questions about how your life is going to change and about how normal it can be. It's an overwhelming and very lonely feeling. However, finally there's another benefit for us here in the land of Web 2.0. Social networking may be your best tool for finding people who can help you to cope.