6 Smoking Cessation Tips to Help You Quit Smoking for Good

Whether it’s cigarettes or vaping, the addictive components of smoking can be hard to shake. Smoking cessation tools like patches and gum can be helpful, but won’t change your thought patterns. You’ll need to focus on more than the physical act of smoking if you want to kick your addictive habit.

Nobody said quitting was easy and with nicotine withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, depression, trouble focusing, headaches and nausea, it’s no wonder it takes an average of 8 to 11 attempts to quit. With a bit of planning, a positive support system, and the will to stick to it, your next attempt will be your last!

Smoking Cessation Tips That Stick

It’s hard enough to break a habit, but throw in the addictive components of cigarette smoking and you’ve got a recipe for failed quitting attempts. Utilize these smoking cessation tips to stay on track the next time a craving hits:

1. Spend time in places where you can’t smoke.

Take away your option to smoke and you’re less likely to give in to temptation. Try going to the library, museums, bookstores, malls or other places you enjoy that don’t allow smoking.

2. Change other habits too.

One of the best ways to change a habit is to switch up your routine. You may crave a cigarette in the morning if you’re accustomed to having one with your morning coffee, or perhaps when you watch TV at night. Try replacing the action that prompts your craving (having coffee, watching TV) with something else like tea or reading.

3. List your reasons.

Make a list of your reasons for quitting. These may include family, improved health, or financial intentions, for example. Keep copies of your list wherever they will be easily accessible when a craving strikes.

4. Don’t be fooled.

There is no such thing as “just one” cigarette or puff. The strong desire to smoke WILL eventually pass.

5. Stall and distract.

If you feel like you may cave, make yourself wait 10 minutes. Distract yourself with something else for those 10 minutes to take your mind off the craving. Things like coloring, knitting, or something else that uses your hands are great.

6. Reward yourself.

Save the money you would have spent on tobacco for a daily treat or save up for a bigger reward. Knowing you’ve got something fun coming up is a great tactic to help you push through a strong craving.

Maybe you struggle with strong cravings. Or maybe your downfall is finding yourself in stressful situations. Whatever your greatest obstacle, accept and acknowledge it and remember that you can absolutely get through it!

What other smoking cessation tips and tricks have worked for you?