Ways to help quit smoking, benefits of stopping and quitting smoking tips

Ways to help quit smoking, benefits of stopping and quitting smoking tips can be found below. I'm going to quit smoking. Saying it is easy, doing it.....not so easy. I'll be honest, I don't smoke now. Like most people when I was younger I did for a few years, but stopped before it really got a hold on me. So, I'm not going to say that it's an easy thing to do but it can be done if you really want to do so. I've lost two relatives from mouth and throat cancer, one from emphysema so I do know a bit about the effects smoking has on people. A friend of mine had wanted to stop so I did some research on ways to help quit smoking in order to help her. I'll share with you what I learned. First thing though is I strongly suggest you talk with your doctor before attempting to stop smoking.

First and most important step is to decide that you want to quit smoking. Don't say you're going to stop just because somebody else wants you to do so. It has to be your decision not that you're doing it for someone else. What are your reasons to quit smoking? If it's not something you really want to do, odds are you're going to fail. Below are a few reasons to quit and some of the benefits from quitting smoking. Take a look, then try to add some of your own personal reasons and this may help. It won't be easy but is definitely something that can be done as long as you are the one who decides to do it and for the right reasons.

Reasons to quit smoking or the benefits of stopping smoking:

Lower your risk of smoking related diseases such as cancer, emphysema, heart attack, stroke or just general bad health. You'll be able to breathe easier and have less coughing too.

Premature aging and wrinkling. (Yes ladies, afraid so.... and you guys, too.)

Exposing your children, spouse, a loved one, pet or anybody to second hand smoke.

Money spent on cigarettes, cigars or pipes could be spent on other things you like

Teeth will be whiter and no smoker's breath.

Possibly lower insurance costs because of not being a smoker.

Lessens risk of fire starting due to a lit cigarette

Be a good role model for your children or grandchildren. (Be honest with yourself and I'm sure you don't want your child or grandchild to start smoking because they see you doing it and figure if you do it then it must be ok to do.)

Better chance of still being alive when your children are grown. (Not miss graduations, marriages or birth of grandchildren)

Not freezing when having to go outside to smoke because a lot of places make you do that.

Keep your list of reasons to stop smoking, read it from time to time because you'll be laying the psychological groundwork to making quitting easier. If you're trying to stop any type of bad habit it helps to reinforce in your mind all the really negative things about whatever it is. As I said, I've seen relatives of mine die from smoking related diseases so I'm very aware of the negatives. I'm not going to describe graphic details but I've seen a once pretty lady not want her grandchildren to see her after mouth and throat surgeries because she was afraid it would scare them and her needing to have a feeding tube because of the surgeries. If you're a parent or grandparent can you give an answer to that little child in your life when they ask you why you smoke. Those little minds very much like to imitate what they see.

Ways to quit smoking:

There are several ways to stop smoking. Going cold turkey, gradually lowering the number of cigarettes you smoke each day until you reach zero, nicotine gum, nicotine patches and other forms of nicotine replacement therapy.

Drink lots of water or liquids the first few days to help flush out nicotine and other toxins from your body.

Substitute with apples, carrots, celery, cinnamon sticks, grapefruits, lollipops, pickles, raisins, sugar free gum or sunflower seeds.

Avoid triggers like alcohol, coffee and sugar for as long as you can since they may increase your urge for a cigarette.

When you want a cigarette, try a cup of mint tea instead.

Relaxing such as 10 deep breaths slowly while thinking of something else enjoyable or even try yoga as a way to relax.

If holding a cigarette in your hand or having it in your mouth is something you miss, try substituting a plastic straw.

Make use of counseling or support services at hospital or other local group in your area.

Try avoiding being in environments where you're around smoking.

If you do feel an urge to smoke, try to remember that it will only last for a few minutes and then will go away. Focus on something else while the urge is there. Try your deep breathing, try to focus your attention on something else enjoyable or something that has to be done. Don't give into the thinking that just one won't hurt. It will and you'll have eliminated all the progress you've made. It doesn't mean you can't make another attempt the next day or even the day after that. Think positive thoughts. You can get through those short periods of time. Think of how proud you'll be of yourself when you've done it.

If you really are sincere in wanting to stop smoking, I have no doubt you can do it. It won't be easy but will be well worth it. I know several people who've stopped smoking and they're much healthier and happier having done so. One last thing, if you have any loved ones or friends, please let them know, so they'll know what to expect when you're a bit grumpy and they'll be ready to give you lots of support. You don't have to do this by yourself. Don't be afraid to ask those around you for help.