What Is The Best Way To Quit Smoking?

How To Quit Smoking

This is obviously the question on most smokers minds - after all there's so many choices out there right? Before you really decide on the best way or method to quit smoking it's important that you clearly identify the reasons you want to quit and then to form a plan of action based on those reasons.

We all know the reasons why we should quit smoking and never, ever go back. Increased fitness, far better health, longer life expectancy and a dramatic reduction in the risk of getting a variety of cancers, heart disease or emphysema. You'll also age more slowly and more gracefully and obviously save tens of thousands of dollars too. The problem with the human mind is that having these reasons running around inside your head is no good - they need to be written down. That way your mind can then accept them as real and guide you into taking action on those reasons.

Some people argue that setting a date to quit is important. While this can work in some cases there is an issue here. If you set yourself the goal of quitting smoking by your birthday and for some reason you can't achieve this then you'll be left feeling pretty disappointed in yourself and could potentially give up on quitting. Use deadlines carefully.

Mentally Prepare Yourself To Give Up Cigarettes

It's also important to prepare mentally and physically for what will happen when you quit smoking. Personally I feel that you can quit smoking with the most minor of withdrawal symptoms. Part of this depends on your attitude and how your body metabolizes nicotine. For most quitters the first few days are definitely the most difficult. You can expect to be irritable, restless, nauseous and may even suffer from mild insomnia. Headaches, sore throats and flu like symptoms are also common signs of the withdrawal process being in effect. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while you're quitting - your body will need this fluid to help remove the toxins from your body.

If you'd like some assistance quitting you could always rely on one of the many Nicotine Replacement Therapies available today. You have the choice of patches, gums, lozenges, nasal spray and of course prescription medication like Zyban or Chantix.

Exercise Aids in Quitting Smoking

A really good tip is to get more exercise when you're trying to quit. If you can afford it then join a local gym. If you're strapped for cash then go out for a 30 minute walk in the evening. Start gently at first and then increase your pace and distance. The more exercise you get the more tar and mucus your body will be forced to get rid of. The other fringe benefit is of course that you'll increase your fitness level to the point where you'll see just how dumb it was to start smoking in the first place.

The moral of the story is this - there is not single best way to quit smoking. You'll need to find what works best for you and refine that until you've quit for good!