by Mario Carini

Created on: December 11, 2008

Every year more than 400,000 Americans die of smoking related causes. Many more suffer from disabilities such as osteoporosis, hip fractures, diabetes, tooth loss, cataracts and emphysema. With such a list quiting the habit is the best thing you can do, but not always easy to implement.

Aside from taking Nicorette gum, you can employ some natural techniques to help you end the habit for good.

1) As in everything in life if you don't have a plan, you will fail more often. Smoking is no different. Set yourself a time frame. Depending on how much you smoke you can usually cut down at least one cigarette every week. It's shown that those who set a goal have a better chance of achieving it.

2) Stop drinking. Alcohol clouds reasoning and subdues any resolve you have to quit smoking. This assumes you are not an alcoholic. You can drink again moderately after you see some positive results in reducing your smoking habit.

3) Quitting cold turkey is hard for many people. It usually takes a week to ten days before the withdrawal effects wear off. If you feel you can do this, look for added support from your family and friends who can help you during those withdrawal days. Use vacation as the best time to quit cold turkey as the withdrawal symptoms cause stomach upsets, a loss in the ability to concentrate, fatigue and irritability. None of these will help you in your job duties. The working environment is more often a temptation to light up. So take that vacation to help you quit.

4) Change your routine. This means finding ways to make your life more interesting. Find a new hobby. Get busy with gardening or learn how to cook. The busier you are the less chance for temptation. An idle mind will find excuses for that one cigarette. Many people act like Pavlov's dog. If the phone rings, they light up! Changing your routine helps you eliminate those triggers that force you to reach for a cigarette.

5) Learn to relax. Many need that cigarette to cope with a stressful environment. Instead of a cigarette, meditate or pray. Learn to live as a Buddhist monk who lives in the present moment where nothing else matters. Don't fret over past mistakes and don't worry of what might happen in the future. Our worst fears often never materialize.

6) Give yourself daily affirmations. Emile Coue, a French Psychologist and pharmacist came up with a unique statement that when repeated often enough can boost your confidence. So say to yourself every day: "Day by day, in every way, I am getting better

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