When you want to give up smoking, you must have a plan, as over 90% of people who try quitting cold turkey fail. A stop-smoking plan can significantly increase your chances of success and help you take your first steps to become an ex-smoker. You can use many tools to help you with your journey along the way, and there is also lots of support available if you look. One of the best places to start is by visiting your doctor and telling them of your intentions to quit smoking, and they will have lots of helpful advice you can use.
Talking With Your Doctor
Your doctor is an excellent place to start when you want to give up smoking, and they can go through the different cessation aids and nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) you can consider using. They can discuss the pros and cons of each and give you their recommendations that you can consider using. However, many NRTs are available without a prescription, so you can decide which is best for you, whether you want to use a vape device and delicious e liquid or try nicotine patches.
Getting Everything You Need
You will need to buy everything you need when using nicotine replacement therapy or cessation tools to help you manage your nicotine cravings, such as a vaping device or nicotine lozenges. You want to have a smooth transition from smoking to using your preferred tool to help you quit, so get everything ahead when you need it, and be prepared. Once you have stocked up on enough supplies for a month, you can set the day in your calendar when you will have your last smoke.
After Your Last Cigarette
A good way of starting your no-smoking is from when you wake up, so the night before, you will want to smoke your last cigarette and remove all smoking paraphernalia from your home. Ensure you do not have any cigarettes around your home, and also remove your lighters and ashtrays, which will help remove the temptation and constant reminders of smoking. Remove it from your home before you go to sleep, and when you wake up in the morning, you will take your first steps as an ex-smoker.
Learn Your Triggers
We all have different triggers when it comes to smoking, and some people crave one after eating, while others want one first thing in the morning with their cup of coffee. Learning what triggers you to want to smoke can help you control your mental cravings as you slowly transition and get used to not smoking anymore. Drinking alcohol is another common trigger, so you may need to refrain from socialising for a couple of weeks until you get used to using your chosen NRT.
Stay Active
When you keep busy, you will have less time to fixate on smoking, so it is worth keeping active. You can start exercising more which will benefit your health, and you can also consider taking up a new hobby. It is also a good idea to visit local support groups, which can make it easier when surrounded by other people facing the same struggles as you when trying to quit smoking.
