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Studies have shown that there are certain steps or keys
to quitting. Your chances of quitting increase if you follow these
steps. Here they are:
Get started
1) Set a quiet date for quitting.
2) Change the ambiance. Get rid of all the cigarettes from your home, car
and workplace. Do not let others smoke in your home.
3) Remember your earlier try at quitting and the mistakes that you made.
4) After quitting, do not smoke a single puff.
Get support and encouragement
1) Ask your family and friends to support you when you quit.
2) Tell your colleagues and smoking partner not to smoke around you.
3) Talk to your health care provider.
4) It is better to get as much counseling as you can whether
individually, in group or over the telephone.
Follow new behaviors and new skills
1) When you have the urge to smoke, engage yourself in your newly
acquired hobbies and skills.
2) Do something positive to reduce stress. You can read a book, go for a
walk or listen to music to reduce stress.
3) Drink lot of fluids and water.
4) Plan something interesting to do, everyday.
Have proper medications
1) There are different types of medications available nowadays to help
you kick the habit.
2) Do not hesitate to ask the health care provider for advice and follow
the instructions.
3) The different medications almost double your chances of
quitting.
Be prepared to face different difficult situations
1) Be prepared to give more than one try to quitting. Most of the
relapses occur within the first three months of quitting. Try to avoid
alcohol in between as it lowers your chances of quitting.
2) Your weight will increase if you quit. But do not let it come in
between your determination to quit. You can lose your weight by
exercise also.
3) Bad mood should not become the reason to start the
habit once again. There are other means to counter bad mood than
smoking.
It may not be possible for you to follow the steps accordingly, any how
there is nothing to lose in giving it a try. So go for it. Just ask
yourself why you want to quit and why you failed the last time and you
will know the answer.
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