Made the decision to stop smoking? Good decision. It's not the easiest choice to make, but it's definitely one of the best you can make for your overall health and well-being. Smoking can damage so many aspects of your life and your health, so expect that quitting could bring you some matching positive benefits.
Quitting smoking is about more than just willpower. It's about planning and consistency. Even if you've tried before and failed to quit, it's never too late to try again. Your odds of success go up every time you give it a go. Don't expect cold-turkey success, though. Nicotine addiction is an illness, so as with other illnesses, recovery may take some time, some medical intervention, some help from friends, and motivation to quit.
To motivate yourself, first take stock: start by reflecting on what you enjoy about smoking and what activities could perhaps give you the same sort of enjoyment. Exercise or relaxation may offer some of the same sensations as smoking.
Also, assess the troubles that smoking causes you. Aside from being an expensive habit and making your clothes stink, you might note the risks of stroke, several kinds of cancer, and decreased fertility. And multiply those risks if you're also overweight or a heavy drinker, or both.
Know ahead of time that the road to recovering from a smoking addiction can be hard. Nicotine withdrawal is always a real and challenging possibility. Symptoms of withdrawal, including cravings, may strike, and you might also find yourself irritable and tired.
Having an idea of what to expect before you try may make your first - or next - attempt at quitting smoking a successful one. Read more about preparing to quit.