Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things to do, but there are so many good reasons for why you should break the habit. There are thousands of different chemicals that can be found in cigarettes, and over 60 are known to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). The benefits of quitting smoking start as soon as 24 hours after your last cigarette. There are many programs and methods for quitting; it is just a matter of finding what works best for you. Below are some tips to help you get started.

How to Cope with Nicotine Withdrawal:

-Set a date to quit smoking and stick with it.
-When you crave a cigarette, wait a few minutes to let the craving pass, because it will.
-Avoid doing activities that you normally associate with smoking. If you enjoy a cigarette with your coffee, make sure that you have your coffee in a place where smoking is not permitted.
-Eat at regular intervals. Hunger can sometimes be mistaken for nicotine cravings.
-Find a non-smoking aid that works for you. It could be from medication that dulls the nicotine cravings, or patches or gum that still provide you with some nicotine, but wean you off of it slowly.

Your Body's Recovery:

-When you quit smoking, your body will start to cleanse itself within 24 hours.
-You may be coughing up some of the tar that has settled in your lungs.
-You may get headaches, feel short-tempered and be irritable.
-Your sense of taste and smell will improve considerably.
-Your skin complexion will improve.
-Your risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke will be cut in half.

Keep Positive:

-Keep noticing all the health improvements now that you are not smoking.
-Remind yourself that there is no such thing as "just one cigarette". Do not try and be an occasional smoker because the risk of relapse is very high.
-Avoid situations that trigger a craving for a cigarette.
-Think about the money that you are saving everyday by not smoking!
-Keep positive and congratulate yourself for everyday that you are smoke free.