How many times have you already tried to quit smoking? Once, twice, half a dozen times?
If you're like me, then quitting is not the problem. The problem is never lighting up again..

You see, you may not be a nicotine-addicted smoker, but a habit-addicted smoker. That means, when people say "you must break the habit" they mean exactly that. You have to stop taking smoke breaks, and to keep your hands busy and oh gosh, what do you do after a good meal?

Forget the reasons you should quit, we've all heard them a hundred times. Let's move straight to the how.

Start by setting a date for quitting. It could be a week or even a month from now but you must stick to it.

Before that day comes, prepare yourself by slowly changing your habits.
Stop smoking inside your house. Trust me you'll love how it won't stink anymore.
Stop smoking inside your car. You'll love the new car smell.

Sit down and think when do you smoke? Is it after your morning meeting, after lunch, with your afternoon snack? Set times next to those smoke breaks and if you miss them you'll have to wait. For example, if you smoke at 10 a.m. but you happen to be in a meeting, then you'll have to wait until the next designated time which may be at noon. This is a good trick to help you break the habit.

The night before your quitting date, get rid of all cigarettes or tobacco products in your house, car, office or wherever you may hide them. With them, toss out all lighters, matches and don't forget the ashtrays. Leave nothing around to remind you you used to be smoker.

Go ahead, get yourself a cessation aid like a patch to initially help you forget about the nicotine. Ask your doctor about prescribing a no-smoking pill that can help you avoid crankiness. And don't forget to "break the habit." If you've prepared yourself with the tips above, you're halfway there.

Here's what's next:

Idle Hands: Your hands are used to movement, constantly fidgeting and looking for something to do. For you, the best cessation aid could be the nicotine inhaler. That's because it allows your hands to move in the same hand-to-mouth pattern.

Smoke Breaks: Go ahead, take your smoke break at the same time you did before, but instead of lighting up take a piece of fruit with you. An orange is a good idea because the peeling also keeps your hands moving and eating it could take about as long as it takes to smoke a whole cigarette.

After dinner or other triggers: Instead of smoking, use that time to get up and get active. Take a walk, toss the Frisbee with the dog, play with the kids, whatever keeps you busy and not thinking about that cigarette.

Social Situations: Warn your friends that for a few weeks you may not be able to go out with them, especially if they're going out to a bar. Any dedicated smoker will tell you, drinking and smoking go hand-in-hand. You may have to stay away from those triggers for the first few weeks after you've quit but if your friends are not smokers then ask them to come over, or go to their house for an evening-in instead.

And don't forget to ask for support. Ask your family and friends to hold you accountable calling you to find out if you've smoked today. During the first couple of weeks they may have to call everyday, but soon you won't need those reminders.

That's because these suggestions will soon become your new habits for a healthy smoke-free living.

Learn more about this author, CK Taylor.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Healthy tips to help you quit smoking today?
We want to hear your view. Write now!