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The 7 Steps of Quitting Smoking

As a smoker you probably think that to quit smoking has to be an enormous and almost impossible task to accomplish. It may be more realistic for you to think of quitting smoking if you break it down into multiple easy steps. Here are 7 gradual steps that you can follow with instructions and what you can expect as you move along your journey to being smoke free.

1) Prepare yourself mentally about quitting smoking
Get yourself into the mind set of quitting smoking. Try to talk to others about smoking and quitting. Watch how non-smokers react to tobacco smoke and smokers in general. Be open minded and try to form an objective point of view. Ever watch other people smoke? Try watching yourself smoke in front of a mirror and watch your facial expressions and how you react to the smoke.

2) Educate yourself about quitting smoking
Until you find the method that will work for you there is no better way to research valid quit smoking methods than to talk to ex-smokers. Be conscious when you light up a smoke. When the urge comes, wait a moment to take a mental note and start to recognize where and when you smoke. Try and figure out your pattern of smoking.

3) Modify your smoking pattern
Write it down! Write down when & where you smoke. Analyze this data and find out when you smoke more and when you smoke less. Try and increase the time or occasions you smoke less. Add a few activities that you know you cannot smoke while doing. For example swimming. Try a new brand of cigarettes every time you go to the store to purchase them. Each time you switch cigarette brands, get one that has a lower tar/nicotine content. Now would be a good time to set a date and let your family and friends know you are going to quit smoking and ask for they're help in supporting you to become smoke free.

4) Don't smoke for 24 hours
Distraction is the key! Don't just sit around on your first day of not smoking, schedule activities that as contrary to smoking as possible. Go swimming, bike riding, hiking... the more fresh air the better. Throw out all of your ashtrays, clean your house or apartment and remove the stench of cigarette smoking. Treat yourself to something nice as much as you can because you deserve it.

5) Don't smoke for a whole week
Every day that you go without smoking, treat yourself to a reward. As much as possible, avoid places where other people are smoking and drinking alcohol. You will start to notice how much better your food tastes during this period. Notice the times you are most vulnerable and distract yourself immediately. At the end of the week, treat yourself to a bigger reward.

6) Don't smoke for a whole month
Start an exercise program or join a gym. Every day that you go without smoking, treat yourself to a small reward. Keep avoiding places where other people are smoking and drinking alcohol. Your food tastes and you have more energy. At the end of the month, treat yourself to a bigger reward.

7) Celebrate your anniversary
Keep exercising and distracting yourself. Once you make it to your first year as a non smoker, treat yourself to a party and celebrate the fact that you have been smoke free for a year and will be for the rest of your life.

Article written by SAM
© Copyright 2006 All Rights Reserved

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ARE YOU READY TO QUIT?