How to Quit Smoking and Stay Stopped

The following is a simple but effective plan in your quest to quit smoking.

Note that to quit smoking you must stop altogether to stay stopped meaning you cannot quit smoking by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke each day gradually.

The four steps towards a cigarette-free life are thinking about quitting, preparation, stopping and staying stopped.

Thinking About Quitting

Essential to your success is the genuine desire to want to quit smoking which will contribute give you the required will power to push on if the going gets tough.

Consider then the many reasons to quit smoking and all of their related benefits which will give you the motivation you need.

Preparing to Quit Smoking

If you have been smoking for awhile, you will probably have developed several cues which prompt you to smoke.

These can include specific times of the day, places and friends. Before you stop, identify as many of these cues as possible and decide how you can avoid them.

Decide on a task or activity which you can use to occupy your day and take your mind off smoking.

Stopping

Choose a relatively stress-free day to quit smoking and get rid of all of your cigarettes and related accessories.

On the first day, keep yourself busy as much as possible with a relaxing or enjoyable activity while planning a treat for yourself at the end of the day.

Do not give in to withdrawal symptoms. Understand that they are only temporary, completely tolerable and will pass with time.

Stay Stopped

Take it one day at a time and keep a positive frame of mind. As always, keep yourself busy. Soon enough, you will begin to feel the benefits of not smoking.

Whatever you do, do not smoke even one cigarette which will be enough to trigger a relapse. Remind yourself, that you only want to and have to give up once.

If You Do Not Succeed

To quit smoking requires effort and willpower. Do not be discouraged if you do not succeed the first time but you must be determined try again.