Tips for quitting smoking?

Question

I'm trying to quit smoking for about the 5th time. This time, I want it to be it! I'm just so irritable now! Any tips or ideas on how to get through this without being commited?! Help!

Answer 1

You may feel like you're on a rollercoaster during the first couple of weeks after you quit smoking. You'll have good days and you'll have bad days. Whether you use a quit aid of some sort or go cold turkey, you’re going to feel a certain amount of withdrawal from nicotine. Some people have more trouble with the first week, and others with the second, but the good news is that for most quitters, the worst of physical withdrawal from nicotine is over within the first two weeks of smoking cessation.

Physically, your body will be reacting to the absence of not only nicotine, but all of the other chemicals in cigarette smoke that you've been inhaling 20 or more times a day for years. When the supply gets cut off, you can expect to feel the effects of that. Flu-like symptoms are common.

The amount of discomfort you'll experience depends in part on how well you take care of yourself during this phase. Follow the tips below to help you minimize the discomforts you'll feel as a result of physcial and mental withdrawal from nicotine.

Quit Smoking Tips for the First Two Weeks

Find some support.
Having others who are interested in your success is very important. The Smoking Cessation Forum here at About.com is a thriving, active group of people who can give you the help and encouragement you need. Sign in as a guest to browse and read posts from other quitters, or register(free) to post messages of your own. Add some support to your quit smoking program.

Eat a well-balanced diet.
Treats are fine, but be careful not to go overboard with the wrong kinds of food right now. Your body is working hard to expel toxins during the withdrawal process, and that takes energy. Choose foods that will provide you with the high quality fuel you need. Avoid the empty calories of junk food.

Take a multi-vitamin.
Smoking depletes our bodies of nutrients. Give yourself a boost with the help of a multi-vitamin. This, combined with good diet will help you minimize the fatigue that can often occur during nicotine withdrawal.

Stock the fridge with healthy snacks.
Have small bags of bite size fresh veggies within easy reach. Celery and carrots sticks with low fat ranch dressing for dipping makes a good snack. Fresh fruit, such as pineapple chunks, berries, melon or other fruits in season will satisfy your sweet tooth if they're clean and ready to eat when you're looking for a snack. Good freezer treats include low fat fudgesicles and frozen grapes.

Get out for a walk.
A short walk every day – as little as 15 minutes even, can work wonders for you as you withdraw from nicotine. Walking reduces edginess and improves circulation. It also releases endorphins, the "feel good" hormone. So, when the urge to smoke strikes, head out for a walk around the block. You’ll come back refreshed and relaxed.

Get more sleep.
Early cessation is tiring. Your body is stressed and so is your mind. Allow more time to sleep if you need it. Don’t worry, the weariness won't last. Your energy will return soon.

Drink water!
Water helps you flush residual toxins from smoking out of your body more quickly. It also works well as a craving buster. Drink water before you snack and you'll eat less. Water is an important part of your diet! Keep yourself well-hydrated, and you'll feel better in general. That will in turn help you manage withdrawal symptoms more easily.

Keep some supplies in your car.
If you spend a lot of time driving, have some items handy to help you pass the time more comfortably. Drink some of that water we just talked about while you're driving. Keep a bottle or two in the car at all times. Also store a bag of hard candies and lollipops in your glovebox and have some straws or cinnamon sticks availabe to chew on.

Do some deep breathing.
Cravings usually hit fast and with force. They're strongest at the start, and fade in intensity within 3 - 5 minutes. Don't panic when you get a craving to smoke. Take a few moments to concentrate on your breathing. Close your eyes if possible and breathe in and out slowly. Let the craving wash over you like a wave while you focus on your breathing. The urge will pass and you’ll be left feeling stronger.

Turn your bathroom into a day spa.
Light some candles, and take a long hot bubble bath. Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure and follow with a facial. Pamper yourself!

Have a cup of tea.
Allow yourself a few minutes to relax with a cup of tea and honey. Choose herbal teas rather than those with caffiene. It's an quick and easy way to rejuvenate yourself.

Reward yourself.
Come up with a list of small gifts that you can give yourself every day. Take a hot bath. Buy a new candle. Read a fun magazine. Enlist someone else in the family to cook dinner. Small daily rewards will boost your spirits and fortify your resolve to keep the quit.

Answer 2

First - tell yourself - you're addicted. You can't help it. It's society's fault for brainwashing you into thinking that smoking is a stress reliever.

The reality is that smoking relieves your withdrawal symptoms, and doesn't relieve your stress at all. It was the withdrawal symptoms that gave you the stress in the first place!!

When you've just had a cigarette, you feel as relaxed as a non-smoker feels all the time!

Anyway, here's how to undo the brainwashing:

Do not do patches.
Do not do lollipops.
Do not substitute anything for cigarettes. You don't need to!

Read a good book - try The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Alan Carr. Then follow his instructions VERY carefully.

You'll then have two days of irritability, then you'll be done. And you'll feel like all us non-smokers feel - relaxed, and not needing a cigarette.

Then - just never smoke again - or it will just start the pain all over again!

You've got to want it, and to believe what Alan Carr is telling you and it will work.

It did for me... (formerly 30 a day for 20 years)

Answer 3

Hearing the decision to quit from you, yourself is very rewarding and could warrant a higher rate of success if you would not fall into temptation to smoke again. However, quitting does not happen overtime. It takes time-days, weeks, or perhaps even months. First of all I would suggest that you get rid of any cigarettes that is still in your possession and stay away from it. Also it is advisable to chew on something like a gum for instance to keep your mouth busy especially when you have these cravings for nicotine. Moreover, involve your family in your decision to stop smoking for they are the ones who can help you manage your problem and keep track of you whenever temptations knocks at your door. Try to keep yourself busy like focus more on your hobbies and things that you enjoy aside from smoking. By the way, have you tried nicotine patches?If no, you might wanna check on that. I hear it works. If the day would pass without you touching that cigar then you should always congratulate yourself. Good luck and hoping the best for you...

Answer 4

What is stronger? Your will to quit, or the poison you are inhaling? Look at someone while they are smoking. The entire act looks ridiculous. You stick something in your mouth, close your lips tight around it, suck in and swallow smoke into your body! I understand nicotine is a drug stronger than heroine. I can only imagine it is difficult to quit. However, if you ever want to grow old enough to have a productive life, see your children achieve great things in their lives and your grandchildren, then you will "JUST STOP" . My mother just stopped! But it was too late for her. She had emphysema. What a horrible way to die! Imagine not being able to exhale. My mother suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning. It made her mind go wacky. At times she didn't even know who her husband or children were. My mother was only 67 when she passed away. Her death certificate says the cause of death was smoking. My goodness! When are we as humans going to wise up and stop abusing our bodies?

Answer 5

Try Quit Smoking Magic : http://QuitSmokingMagicals.com/Access

Answer 6

Quit Smoking Cigarette With QuitSmokingMagic - http://Go.QuitSmokingMagics.com

Answer 7

I used to smoke. Try the CVS pharmacy brand of nicotene gum. It is hard to chew, but doesn't taste that bad. Also, just pop one whenever you want a cigarette. Also, try replacing one bad habit with a good habit, like working out at the gym. Get on the treadmill or whatever...tone your muscles...eat healthy..drink green tea...If you have anxiety, take vitamins like Biotin, St. John's Wort, and Super Omega Complex. They relieve depression and anxiety. Good Luck.

Answer 8

There is a new prescription they just came out with. Contact your doctor and ask for it.

CHANTIX™ (varenicline) is now approved by the FDA. CHANTIX is a prescription medicine to help adults stop smoking. If you'd like to learn more about CHANTIX, sign up for updates here

Answer 9

Check out http://www.quitnet.com/

It is a wonderful site for people who are quitting. I could not have done it without the amazing support I received there!

Answer 10

Smoking is costly