by Corey Baker

Created on: July 02, 2010

Quit Smoking: 9 Tips to Help You Kick the Habit

Kicking the habit is a difficult task. To be successful you have to be committed to quitting and you have to plan ahead. Here are nine tips to help you quit successfully

1. Support

The first tip to help you quit is to find a support group. This is extremely important for the first week or two. With the right support from friends and family members who are committed to helping you succeed you can make the first week after quitting much easier. It can spell the difference between succeeding in this particular attempt to stop smoking and relapsing back into the old pattern. You can also find support on-line in various groups and forums.  

2. Preparing for Cravings

The second tip that can mean the difference between being a non smoker and continuing the habit is preparing for the cravings you will have ahead of time.  Go to the grocery store and stock up on vegetables that you can grab whenever you have a craving.  Small carrots and celery make a great low calorie snack that will keep you from gaining excess weight after quitting and can help to get you through the cravings.  Make sure to eat a healthy diet to minimize the withdrawal symptoms and keep your energy up.

3. Exercise

By starting a habit of exercising you will not only help to change your view of yourself from a smoker to someone who cares about their health but you will also speed up the withdrawal process and help to improve your mood.  Exercise is one of the best things you can do during the first weeks because it helps to reinforce your commitment to your health.  It also helps remove the toxins and nicotine from your body.  

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is the most vital thing to our survival besides air.  You should drink plenty of water every day, but most people don’t.  When you quit smoking it becomes all the more important because your body is struggling to wash impurities out of your body and its main avenue for doing that is with water.  Make sure to drink a glass of water every couple of hours to stay hydrated and to help reduce cravings.

5. Take Vitamins

Smoking cigarettes robs your body of vital nutrients.  When you quit smoking the lack of these vitamins and minerals can dramatically increase the intensity of urges and cravings.  By taking a multivitamin every day you can help your body get through the toughest first weeks and allow your body to acclimate

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