Tobacco is an addictive product and for many smokers the withdrawal symptoms are so strong they cannot imagine surviving a single day without a cigarette.
So even though they know how dangerous smoking is to their health, they keep on puffing.
Many smokers fall into a pattern, quitting for a few days or weeks until depression, anxiety, sweating, headaches, nausea, insomnia, cravings and other withdrawal symptoms lead them right back to smoking.
Though cigarette smoking is a tough habit to break a solid quit smoking plan gives you the support you need to break nicotine's addictive hold on you, once and for all.
Identify the Negatives It's easy to identify why you smoke.
It makes you look cool, it helps you relax and calm down.
But to get rid of this bad habit you need to take a long look at the negatives of smoking.
The habit is expensive, is offensive to others and leaves a noxious odor on your hair, clothing and body.
Educate yourself on the damage nicotine does to the body and research the many smoking related diseases that this addiction can lead too.
Lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema are just a few of the diseases smoking causes.
Talking to others you know who have faced a serious illness because of their addiction can also give you the motivation to quit.
Think about your individual reasons for wanting to quit and make a list of reasons that are important to you.
Prepare to Stop Smoking Take a look at how often you turn to nicotine throughout the day to get a good idea of the best quitting method for you.
Quitting cold turkey, rarely works for most smokers.
To increase your chances of success determine a day to quit smoking in advance, it should be no more than several weeks in the future.
This time will allow you to schedule a visit with your doctor to get a checkup and get an anticraving drug to help reduce the withdrawal symptoms.
You can also begin to compare nicotine gums, patches and lozenges to determine which nicotine replacement therapy will work for you.
Mark your quit day on your calendar, get rid of all cigarettes and buy sugar free gum and candy to keep your mouth occupied.
Develop a Support System No one quits smoking without having a team of people they can rely on.
Inform your family and friends of your decision to give up cigarettes and get them on board with offering encouragement.
If any of your family and friends also smokes make it known that they are not to smoke in front of you.
A smoking buddy is also a great motivator during your journey.
This person will offer encouragement and you can check in with them daily for support.
Change Bad Habits Smokers tend to follow patterns; smoking while sitting in their favorite chairs, while on the telephone, doing breaks at work or after dinner.
Make small changes in your daily routine to help avoid temptations.
Instead of smoking after dinner, you can go for a walk.
Developing new hobbies and keeping busy will also help you to stay committed.
Read books, take a class, do chores, attend plays, go to the movies or travel more.
Start a quit smoking journal to help you envision what your life could be like without smoking.
Keep Your Guard Up Identify situations where you may be more likely to smoke.
Social situations where others are smoking, when dealing with stress or boredom or when attending birthdays, parties and other celebrations are all common triggers of relapses.
Develop coping strategies in advance for dealing with these situations.
For example, walking, yoga and other physical activities will help deal with boredom and stress.
Yes, the road to a smoke free life can be a tough path to follow.
But the benefits far outweigh any temporary discomfort you might face.
With the right attitude, a strong desire to quit and a developed quit smoking plan you can be free of cigarettes.