Quitting Smoking: Try These 6 Tips That Might Help You

“The cold turkey method of quitting has such a low success rate because addiction undermines willpower, or the ability to control impulses through decision-making, according to Dr. J. Taylor Hays, a professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and director of the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center.”

By the second week of February, almost 4 in 5 New Year’s resolutions would have been crashed. The chances can be even higher if your goal is to quit smoking.

With the right planning and help, the chance to succeed may look better. Here are six tips to help you, or someone you love to quit smoking safely and have a smoke-free February (and beyond).

1. Identify the causes and how you can beat them.

Driving, having coffee or a beer, enjoying, and completing a meal are just a few typical smoking triggers — the individuals, locations, or things that make you want to smoke or use nicotine. Since smoking causes may make it particularly difficult to stop, it is crucial to recognize the triggers and learn how to deal with them before you quit smoking. In reality, effectively creating a plan to quit smoking is one of the first measures that you are taking.

2. See past the willpower.

Of the 100 people who try to quit smoking cold turkey — that is, to leave immediately without any medical assistance or substitute medication — only about three or five of them will survive for more than six months. The trick to successfully quit is to take advantage of readily available proven-effective quitting strategies.

3. Learn to tackle withdrawal.

Symptoms of withdrawal are often considered one of the biggest hurdles for folks trying to stop smoking. Exercising is one technique that can kill a desire. Instead of using cigarettes to get that ‘feel good’ response in the brain, due to the endorphin boost you can get from physical activity, you are doing it more naturally. Even a short walk can do the trick.

4. Understand the Mental Health and Smoking misconceptions.

People with mental health and substance use tobacco at levels much higher than the general people. A few common myths regarding mental health and stopping cigarettes may stand in the way when it comes to quitting smoking. For example, research shows that people who experience anxiety, depression, or tension usually feel happier after having quit smoking. Most people may not know that — the tobacco industry has spent significant resources to connect mental health with tobacco.

5. Seek for help.

Consider telling at least one relative, family member, or coworker that you trust, that you will stop — perhaps they will remind you not to smoke even if they are smokers too. Or connect with others who know exactly what you are experiencing.

6. It is time to celebrate.

Making it without smoking through a vacation or a busy weekend? Congratulate yourself — experts say that acknowledging and celebrating performance when you quit smoking will increase resistance to stress and cravings.

This article helps you with tips to quit smoking. Read the full article here.