Library of Frequently Asked Questions
How to quit smoking
Kicking the smoking habit isn’t easy, due to the addictive nature of nicotine, but it can be done. Once you make the decision to stop, set a particular day to quit. Mark it on your calendar and tell your family and friends so they can offer their support. Next, make a list of reasons why you want to quit. Whatever your reasons, this list will provide motivation as you work on getting accustomed to life without cigarettes.
When the day arrives, throw away all your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays and take things one day at a time. Try to prepare yourself mentally and physically. The first ten days you may feel tired, irritable, and develop headaches or a cough. You may also have problems concentrating as your body goes through nicotine withdrawal. These symptoms usually only last about two weeks.
To help alleviate them, drink plenty of water and exercise to flush the nicotine out of your system. Get plenty of rest and avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol. Try to keep a busy schedule, and at the end of the day, reward yourself. Depending on your particular circumstances, your doctor may prescribe nicotine chewing gum or a nicotine patch to help you stop smoking.
Previous: Exercise and nutrition | Next: Stress reduction
