10 Ways To Quit Smoking

1. Get support - Give up at the same time as a friend or family member and you will be able to give each other mutual support and encouragement. If you don’t know anybody close that is a smoker, you could join an online forum where there are other smokers trying to give up.
2. Take up a new hobby - finding something new to do will help occupy your mind and take your thoughts off cigarettes. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, or speak a foreign language. Now could be a good time to start. You’ll be able to afford it with all the money you’ll be saving from not buying cigarettes.
3. Try hypnotherapy - many people have found this to be a great help to them. You could either see a therapist or purchase a CD.
4. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using bupropion (Zyban). This is a prescription medicine that works by decreasing your desire to smoke. There can be side effects including nausea and dizziness.
5. Treat yourself - Add up the money that you will save by not smoking and then treat yourself. You could have a pampering session at a health spa, take a weekend break to an exotic location or indulge a favorite hobby.
6. Try nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) - If you want to double your chances of quitting compared to going ‘cold turkey’, then you should take a look at NRT. It is available in patches, gum, tablets and nasal spray and can help to overcome the physical cravings for nicotine. Aim to cut down the use of NRT after 3 months with a view to completely stopping after about 6 months.
7. Write a list of all the reasons you want to give up and the benefits you’ll get. Pin it to a wall or somewhere that you will see it frequently so that you are constantly reminded of it.
8. Try acupuncture - This traditional Chinese medicine involves putting special needles into the skin. Although the medical evidence to support its use is limited, many smokers have reported that they have been helped by it.
9. Stop habitual smoking - do you have a habit of smoking at certain times of day or while doing certain things? Break your routine so that you are less likely to feel the urge to smoke.
10. Don’t give up giving up - many people don’t succeed in finally quitting until the third or fourth try. In the end it is worth it.

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