Smoking is very addictive, which makes quitting an uphill task. Quitting smoking is a bold move that requires planning, determination, and the right strategies. A successful plan to quit smoking should be able to address both physical and psychological aspects that make it hard for smokers to quit.
In this guide, we will explore some of the tips to quit smoking that have been tested and proven.
How to make a plan to quit smoking
Have a planned quit schedule
The first step when planning to quit smoking is preparing for it. It is essential to set a date. The date should not be instant since it’s hard to stop smoking instantly. You have set a date within a month, two or three months. Ensure that you mark this date in the calendar and then work towards achieving this milestone within this time. Within the stated period, you should meet other small deadlines. The deadlines can be weekly. During the small deadlines, you can plan to reduce your smoking habits significantly. Having specific dates helps you prepare mentally.
Know your triggers
When you identify your smoking triggers, you can easily create a working plan that can help you quit smoking. There are many triggers that you should look into. Some can include social situations, specific times of the day, or even stress. Ensure that you have a smoking diary. Such a diary will quickly help you identify the triggers. By knowing your habits, you can easily avoid them.
Inform your family and friends about your intention
Let your loved ones and close friends know about your intention to stop smoking. By communicating this intention, you can receive much-needed support. By informing them, it is easy to get a quitting buddy. Having people you can share this quitting journey with can help you emotionally.
Choose a quitting method
There are many methods you can use when quitting smoking. In your plan, you should go for a technique that you think will work best for you. You can decide to use the gradual reduction or opt for nicotine replacement therapy. If you are unsure about the method you should use, you can consult a healthcare professional.
Stay active
Being active can help you reduce withdrawal symptoms as well as the smoking cravings. Through exercise and physical activity, you can improve your mood and reduce the urge to smoke. Exercise helps in managing weight gain, which is a major concern for people in the process of quitting smoking.
Consider medication
Many prescription medications can help you with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Ensure that before you consider any medication, you communicate with your doctor.
Consider rewarding yourself
Reward yourself Every time you progress in your journey to quit smoking. This is because quitting smoking is not easy, and that is why every step counts. Ensure that you have small milestones that can be planned weekly. The reward should be something you value and something you can afford. The money to get these rewards can come from the amount you would have spent on cigarettes.
Prepare for challenges
Quitting smoking will come with its challenges. This journey is not smooth; therefore, you must prepare for setbacks. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as increased appetite, insomnia, etc. Most of these challenges may take a lot of work to cope with. However, understanding these challenges will help you cope with them for a limited time. Even with these challenges, ensure that your focus is on the result.
Consider counseling
This may not be a popular opinion, but it has worked perfectly for many people. Ensure that you seek professional guidance when you need it. Taking to others is a perfect way to get valuable insights. There are also many online communities for people working on quitting smoking, which allows people to share their journey.
Ensure that you track your progress
Tracking your progress will keep you encouraged and motivated. Seeing how much you have achieved within a short period will encourage you to keep going. There are apps that you can use to track your progress. Be happy for every milestone, no matter how small it is.
Conclusion
Quitting smoking is an important milestone that everyone should consider. It helps you improve your well-being and your health. The journey to quit smoking is a challenging one that may have many setbacks. It is a journey worth the effort put in. We have explained some of the tips to quit smoking above. These are tips that have worked on other people in a similar journey.