Have you ever asked yourself this question: "How do I stop my
smoking habit?" There can be no doubt that almost every smoker, at some
time or another, has asked this same question. The question is easy to
ask but difficult to answer. The truth is that something that works for
one person may not work for another. Quitting cold turkey works for some
people but for the vast majority of smokers it is ineffective.
All of us have met those people who claim that 'stopping smoking is a breeze.' Usually, they're holding a lit cigarette when they say it. Unfortunately, the truth is that kicking the habit is not easy. But it can be accomplished. The benefits are immediate and the long-term rewards are great.
The advantages of quitting smoking begin almost immediately and it keeps getting better every day. Within a day your blood pressure begins to normalize and your system has flushed most of the carbon dioxide from your body. Within three months, your lung capacity has increased by 30%. After one year your risk of heart attack has been cut in half. After five years your risk of stroke is the same as a non-smoker and after 10 years your expected risk of lung cancer has decreased by 50%.
The increased health benefits are the same whether you are 25 or 95. Of course, the younger you quit the better. Nevertheless, you are never too old to enjoy the benefits of becoming a non-smoker. Never make the mistake of thinking you are "too far gone."
Smoking is more than just a physical addiction, it is also a behavioral habit. Identifying what causes you to smoke can be of great help in overcoming the addiction. If you find yourself lighting up every time you stop at the bar after work, have a drink at home instead. As much as you can, stay away from places where there are smokers. Many people find it difficult to quit when they are breathing second-hand smoke. This is one of the major causes of relapsing.
Despite all your best efforts, you may have a relapse and find yourself reaching for a cigarette. This is especially true of stress smokers. If this happens, don't let it get you down. Learn from it. Identify what caused you to smoke again. It is not unusual for some people to attempt several times to stop smoking before finally succeeding. There is no shame in an unsuccessful attempt to quit smoking, only in no attempt.
Build your support system.
When you have a strong urge to smoke, call someone...a good friend or perhaps a family member, but someone who is a non-smoker. Call them not only for moral support but also as a distraction until the urge passes. Some people find that support groups can be very helpful as they can provide encouragement and expert guidance.
It has become appallingly clear that smoking leads to a shortened life-span. It is estimated that you lose 11 minutes of life for every cigarette you smoke. Don't put it off any longer. Make a long-term commitment to quit smoking and you will reap the benefits of a longer and healthier life.
All of us have met those people who claim that 'stopping smoking is a breeze.' Usually, they're holding a lit cigarette when they say it. Unfortunately, the truth is that kicking the habit is not easy. But it can be accomplished. The benefits are immediate and the long-term rewards are great.
The advantages of quitting smoking begin almost immediately and it keeps getting better every day. Within a day your blood pressure begins to normalize and your system has flushed most of the carbon dioxide from your body. Within three months, your lung capacity has increased by 30%. After one year your risk of heart attack has been cut in half. After five years your risk of stroke is the same as a non-smoker and after 10 years your expected risk of lung cancer has decreased by 50%.
The increased health benefits are the same whether you are 25 or 95. Of course, the younger you quit the better. Nevertheless, you are never too old to enjoy the benefits of becoming a non-smoker. Never make the mistake of thinking you are "too far gone."
Smoking is more than just a physical addiction, it is also a behavioral habit. Identifying what causes you to smoke can be of great help in overcoming the addiction. If you find yourself lighting up every time you stop at the bar after work, have a drink at home instead. As much as you can, stay away from places where there are smokers. Many people find it difficult to quit when they are breathing second-hand smoke. This is one of the major causes of relapsing.
Despite all your best efforts, you may have a relapse and find yourself reaching for a cigarette. This is especially true of stress smokers. If this happens, don't let it get you down. Learn from it. Identify what caused you to smoke again. It is not unusual for some people to attempt several times to stop smoking before finally succeeding. There is no shame in an unsuccessful attempt to quit smoking, only in no attempt.
Build your support system.
When you have a strong urge to smoke, call someone...a good friend or perhaps a family member, but someone who is a non-smoker. Call them not only for moral support but also as a distraction until the urge passes. Some people find that support groups can be very helpful as they can provide encouragement and expert guidance.
It has become appallingly clear that smoking leads to a shortened life-span. It is estimated that you lose 11 minutes of life for every cigarette you smoke. Don't put it off any longer. Make a long-term commitment to quit smoking and you will reap the benefits of a longer and healthier life.
Keith Ryder is a freelance writer and former 2 pack-a-day smoker.
If you want to stop your smoking habit forever without patches, pills
and gums, please visit the following link for a proven step-by-step
method that is guaranteed to turn you into a non-smoker in 38 minutes:
Stop Your Smoking Habit
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