Despite smoking for a couple of years, I was able to quit smoking tobacco overnight. I actually flushed a half pack of cigarettes into the toilet one cold winter evening. I quit so called in a ‘cold turkey’ way – stopped smoking completely, all at once and with no medicines or nicotine replacement pills.
I need to admit that the first two weeks after quitting smoking were quite hard. I was struggling with urges that were hard to argue with. But I knew that, if I take a single puff, there would be a second, and a third, and soon I would be smoking again instead of quitting.
I am a really headstrong person always sticking to what I decide, therefore I have never tried to smoke again.
I stayed strong despite temptations, and it was worth it.
Steps for being tobacco-free
I am aware that not everyone in the world has such a strong will to quit smoking as quickly and relatively painlessly as I did. That is why I have prepared a few tips for those of you who are still struggling with quitting smoking, but would like to be tobacco-free.
1. Make the decision to quit. You are the only one who can make this choice, and really commit. You are the super manager of your own life. Think about, for example, all of those nasty smoking-related diseases like lung cancer or heart attack, how expensive cigarettes are, someone with health problems caused by tobacco. Are you actually serious about quitting?
2. Make a plan. Start with setting an I’m-going-to-quit day. Do not pick a date which is too far away because you will allow yourself a dangerous period of time to change your mind. But, give yourself enough time to prepare. Tell friends and family that you are going to quit. Remove the cigarettes and ashtrays from your home, car and workplace. Get some chewing gum, carrot sticks, hard candy, cinnamon sticks, straws or toothpicks to keep your hands and mouth busy. Tell others who still smoke not to puff around you. Learn to say ‘No thanks, I don’t smoke.’
3. Deal with physical and mental withdrawal. If you have been smoking for a long time, smoking is perhaps linked with a lot of things you do every day, for example, drinking coffee in the morning or watching sports in the evening. Be ready to overcome the old habits which trick you into going back to smoking. Try new things like walking, short exercise or new hobbies. Drink lots of pure water and fresh juice instead of alcohol and coffee which may trigger a desire to look for cigarettes.
4. Do not give up and learn from mistakes. Think about your past attempts to quit and try to figure out what did not work. Usually, the first two days of quitting smoking are the hardest. The first two weeks will probably be tough, but after that, it will just go smoothly. Feel confident that you can make it through.
5. Learn how to stay cigarette-free. Remember your reasons for quitting smoking and think of all the benefits for your health, finances and family. Remind yourself that there is no such thing as just one cigarette – or even one puff. Many people gain weight after they quit. If you are worried about putting on weight, stick to a healthy diet and exercise more. Avoid situations and places where an urge to smoke is strong such as in pubs and night clubs. Hang out with people who do not smoke. Change your daily routine, for example, take a different route to work, drink lemon water instead of coffee, eat breakfast in a different place or eat different food.
And, remember that nothing succeeds without a strong will. That is why, the ultimate decision to give up cigarettes must be your own – there are many benefits of quitting smoking. I have helped you as much as I could by writing those tips how to quit smoking.
Now, it is your turn.
