Quitting smoking is one of the hardest things that a person can do. The addictive properties of smoking are so hard to rid one’s body from craving. The health benefits of quitting are quite obvious now, with more and more people trying to quit every day! 

There are plenty of medical options like replacement therapy in the form of gums and patches, which release reduced amounts of the chemicals you get while smoking. This is a way to wean yourself away from smoking over a longer period of time. However, there’s plenty of things that a person can do to increase their chances of quitting. The tips found within can be useful to many people and hopefully will provide some additional support in the attempt to quit. It’s good to know that most people fail to quit smoking on their first attempt. It’s alright. People who have a genuine desire to quit will find a way as long as they keep trying! 

1 - Create a Craving Journal

This is one of the most under-rated and useful tools that a person can do to help them quit smoking. By creating a craving journal, you can track cravings and how they are being created. Things to include in a craving journal is where you are located when it occurs, who you are with, what time of day it is, what activity you are partaking, how strongly you feel the urge to smoke and and any other information you feel is important. If you do end up smoking, record how you were feeling before and after. Try to include what was the final straw that broke through willpower and caused you to give in. By examining this information, trends and triggers can be identified and avoided in the future! 

2 - Engage in Physical Activity

For many people, one of the best ways to quit smoking is by replacing the need to smoke with something that’s a healthy alternative. Many people have found some success by choosing to exercise when they feel a craving. It can be something outdoors like going for a walk or jog. Other people can’t leave every time they need a craving, but some simple exercises indoors can suffice. There’s nothing wrong with doing a few squats or pushups in a break room or in your office if you are in that kind of environment. It can even be running in place or doing some shadow boxing. 

3 - Establish a Support System

When quitting smoking, there’s no way to avoid getting cravings sometimes. One of the best ways to deal with this is to spread out the pressure. Many people feel overwhelmed and heap pressure upon themselves when they are trying to quit. Having friend or family that you can call when you are having the urge to smoke can help. There’s also telephone support lines when you are having issues. One of them is 1-800-QUIT-NOW. There’s also many online sources for inspiration and reassurance. Blogs and websites and videos are full of people who have managed to quit and trying to help others do so. 

4 - Relaxation

Quitting smoking can be a really stressful time. It’s natural to put a lot of stress on yourself. In addition, natural life stress can feel even more powerful. Choosing to work on mental state and relaxation can be really useful. Many people take up Yoga to help assist them, in mind and body with resisting cravings. Some people start to get a regular massage each week. This can help with muscle strain and reduce mental stress. Other options include calming music, breathing exercises and meditation.