Stop Smoking Cravings - 5 Steps to Overcome Them
As an ex smoker, I can relate to anyone who has tried to quit cigarettes but eventually caved into the powerful stop smoking cravings. The urges to smoke can be so intense it almost seems impossible to overcome them. There are proven steps to help you beat your addiction though and I would like to share them with you.
1. Avoid triggers. As smokers, you all know the situations that cause you to smoke the most. These situations are known as your triggers. You need to identify them and take steps to avoid them or have another plan of action ready when you are confronted with one. For instance, perhaps you enjoy smoking when you are drinking alcohol. Try to avoid going to places that serve alcohol until you are able to confidently remain in control.
2. Start exercising. Any physical activity will help reduce your cravings to smoke. You can keep your first attempts simple. Perhaps just an after dinner stroll to begin. Remember, the longer you go without a cigarette, the better you will feel and exercise will become something you look forward too!
3. Try nicotine replacement therapy. There are many proven nicotine replacement aides on the market today. They are available as patches, gums, lozenges, sprays or inhalers. Research and find the one that fits your life style the best. These are great to give you nicotine without actually smoking.
4. Find a support group. Getting support from others who are going through the same thing is extremely beneficial. You can get tips people who have learned to control their cravings and best of all you may be able to help someone in return. If you cannot manage a person to person support group, perhaps you could connect with one of the online forums.
5. Wait. If you think a craving is getting the best of you, convince yourself you have to wait ten minutes. Find something to distract yourself. This would be a good time to connect with an online support group!
As you work these steps, each craving you let pass without lighting up will increase your strength and control even more. Before long, you will no longer be a slave to your cigarettes. Take if from me, it is an awesome feeling of freedom and you can experience it too! Remember, stop smoking cravings are powerful but you are too!
1. Avoid triggers. As smokers, you all know the situations that cause you to smoke the most. These situations are known as your triggers. You need to identify them and take steps to avoid them or have another plan of action ready when you are confronted with one. For instance, perhaps you enjoy smoking when you are drinking alcohol. Try to avoid going to places that serve alcohol until you are able to confidently remain in control.
2. Start exercising. Any physical activity will help reduce your cravings to smoke. You can keep your first attempts simple. Perhaps just an after dinner stroll to begin. Remember, the longer you go without a cigarette, the better you will feel and exercise will become something you look forward too!
3. Try nicotine replacement therapy. There are many proven nicotine replacement aides on the market today. They are available as patches, gums, lozenges, sprays or inhalers. Research and find the one that fits your life style the best. These are great to give you nicotine without actually smoking.
4. Find a support group. Getting support from others who are going through the same thing is extremely beneficial. You can get tips people who have learned to control their cravings and best of all you may be able to help someone in return. If you cannot manage a person to person support group, perhaps you could connect with one of the online forums.
5. Wait. If you think a craving is getting the best of you, convince yourself you have to wait ten minutes. Find something to distract yourself. This would be a good time to connect with an online support group!
As you work these steps, each craving you let pass without lighting up will increase your strength and control even more. Before long, you will no longer be a slave to your cigarettes. Take if from me, it is an awesome feeling of freedom and you can experience it too! Remember, stop smoking cravings are powerful but you are too!
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