If you’ve been smoking for a while, you might be wondering more whether it’s possible to stop smoking, than actively considering it.  Until, of course, a good reason comes along, and the choice to stop smoking becomes more necessity than option.

If you are seriously considering trying to quit smoking, then these tips should help:

• Start giving yourself pep talks before you try to quit smoking. A big part of your success, or failure, when it comes to stopping smoking will be your mindset, so make sure you’re thinking about it in the right way!
• Write down the reasons you want to stop smoking.  Whether it’s because of your health, because of the cost, or anything else, write all your reasons down, and then make copies of the list. Post them all over your home, and anywhere that you smoke, and you’ll be reminded of why you’re trying to stop smoking every time you consider lighting up.
• Consider setting a ‘quit date.’ Most people who stop smoking do so on the spur of the moment, and aren’t prepared. Don’t fall into that trap. Give yourself enough time to plan how you’re going to stop smoking, and you should find it a lot easier.
• Speak to your doctor. He or she can advise you on how to best go about putting together a personal stop smoking plan, and prescribe any medications or aids designed to help you stop smoking.
• Start an exercise program if you’re planning to quit smoking. Exercise and smoking really don’t work together, and exercising will make it easier to stop smoking, and undo some of the damage that has been done over time.
• Consider trying to cut back on the number of cigarettes you smoke gradually, rather than trying to quit cold turkey, all at once. Reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke every day slowly, until you reach your quit day, when you plan to stop smoking for good.
• Join a ex smokers support group. It’s a lot easier to quit when you’re not trying to do it alone.
• Find new activities that interest you, and where you can’t smoke. Go to the movies, or to a non smoking restaurant. You’ll be rewarding yourself, and you’ll be making it a little easier to give up cigarettes.
• Don’t write off anti smoking aids. Gum, patches, tablets and other stop smoking aids can all make it a lot easier to quit for good.
• Remember that the toughest part of trying to stop smoking is the first 48 hours, and that if you do backslide, it’s not the end of the world – don’t give up on your bid to stop smoking – just start again!

It’s no secret that when you stop smoking, you instantly make a positive change to your health. You’ll save money, feel better, smell better, and no longer be tied to a bad habit.

Everyone has the ability to stop smoking too – you just have to want it badly enough, and stick to a plan, and you can be smoke free too!

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