Getting Rid of the Smoky Cloud
Restlessness, irritability, cravings and thoughts of bad things to everyone around me are just a few of the things I experienced when I freshly quit smoking cigarettes. There are many options to choose from to aid in my smoke-free quest. This experience has been brutal and eye opening at the same time. I have found there are a few key steps one should utilize when quitting smoking. The very first thing a person needs to do is be mentally prepared. After you’ve decided that it’s your time to quit it’s important to set a quit date and stick with it. During the countdown to your quit day, you should do some research and see what the best smoking cessation aid for you will be. On the first day without a cigarette I found that I had some of the strongest cravings I had ever encountered, which is why it’s important to have a good support system of family and friends in place. It was also during this time that I found myself eating more and would find it more than likely to gain a few pounds. I told myself “Don’t panic!” This is not the rule, but most likely I would experience it over time. This is when I will find my support system to be a critical component in helping me through this very challenging endeavor.
Being mentally prepared is more than just saying you’re ready to stop smoking. You need to be sure that the time is right and that there aren’t any important or life-changing events occurring now or in the foreseeable future. Anything stressful or challenging may derail your cessation and distract you from your smoke-free goal. It’s also important not to place too much pressure on yourself. If you feel panicked when you think about your quit date or feel any anxiety over it, wait just a bit longer. You’ll have a greater chance of success when you’re 100% committed to the process.
Once you’re committed and feel you’re ready to move forward, it’s time to choose your smoking cessation aid or plan. There are a few options...