Quitting Smoking Early

Quit smoking for the New Year in 5 Steps

Millions of smokers around the world decide to quit smoking on New Year's time we make our resolutions to be healthier for the coming year. But many leave their resolution within 24 hours to do. I know I have done for many years.

The first thing that is useful is to dispel the common myth that the best way to quit is cold turkey, it is not. You do not have to go it alone, there are many smoking cessation aids out there for you to try, and just find one that suits you.

When I stopped smoking in 2004, I tried several times before, but has not had much success. I then undertook a preparation step 5 and the planning approach and it worked. If you follow my 5 steps to quit smoking, you could have a healthy New Year.

First step. Why would you quit?
Being able to quit smoking is a something that many smokers want, and decide to stop smoking is the decision that only you can make.

The key to stopping smoking is the understanding of the process:-write all the reasons why you smoke, how you entered, your understanding of what smoking does to your body and what happens when you stop.

Second step. Prepare.
Believe you can quit. Note when you smoke and why? What triggers your urge to smoke? How do you break the habit? Make a plan to avoid the usual routine of when and where you smoke, especially in the first weeks. Find all your smoking accessories and dispose of them to avoid temptation, believe me the first weeks are very difficult and you want to avoid the temptation to simply have one.

Step Three. Plan how you will quit.
First and most important step that the person can take to stop smoking is to decide to stop. Be as clear as possible about why You want to quit smoking is very important for success, you have to quit. Decide on a quit date and stick to it.
Set yourself deadlines and plan a reward.

Fourth step. Get Help and support from family, friends and your doctor.
You do not have to go it alone. Ask your family, friends and colleagues for encouragement. Go to your doctor, there many smoking cessation aids out there, you just have to find one that suits you.

Fifth stage. Visualize yourself as a non-smoker.
In office while your colleague is released under a driving rain or having a candlelight dinner and not leave the table to have a cigarette between classes or while sitting throughout a movie without having to leave for a smoke.

The decision to stop smoking is one of the most positive decisions you and only you can do. In the early days, try to avoid situations where you would normally have a cigarette, for example when going out with friends, drink a glass of wine, meals and when you feel stressed because of these triggers can get back on track to become a smoker again.

About the Author

Dawn Robertshaw is a writer of health and relationships articles for http://www.InThe21stCentury.com which was set up to help young and old alike to cope with those unique stresses and challenges of the fast-paced life we are all part of In The 21st Century.

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