The best way to stop smoking is to be clear about the reasons why you want to quit, and to make a plan. You will need the help and support of family and friends to deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Make a list of the reasons why you want to quit. These may include better health and fitness, longer life, reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, setting a good example for your children, fresh smelling breath, better chances of having a healthy baby, better skin with fewer wrinkles, reduced expenses, etc.
Set a date when you are going to quit. It may be a New Year’s Day resolution, a birthday or an anniversary. It may be No Smoking Day, which is the second Wednesday of every March. Fixing a date helps you to prepare yourself mentally.
Know what to expect and prepare yourself to face the withdrawal symptoms. Most people find the first few days to be the most difficult. Things may become better after the first three or four days. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms may include irritation, restlessness, frustration, sleeplessness and being accident prone.
Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers, etc can double your chances of success, by reducing the intensity of your craving. Nicotinell, Nicorette and NiQuitin CQ are some of the nicotine products. Another option is to use the drug Zyban, which is available on prescription.
You need to find something to do, to take the place of smoking. You can drink a lot of water, tea, or juice, or chew gum. To avoid weight gain that usually accompanies quitting smoking, change your diet, avoid alcohol, and exercise more.
Avoid situations where you may be tempted to smoke. Reducing your smoking without setting a date to quit may not work, because your smoking is likely to increase once again.
Be aware of the fact that it is easy to give in to temptation and start smoking again, especially when you are tense and upset. You stand to lose all that you have gained, if you have a single cigarette.
