My four p's to help you stop smoking.

Prepare

Give ur self the motivation to quit by preparing.

You must want to give up before you can ever think about it.

If you’re reading this you probably are one step closer to quitting.

We all find excuses and reasons for not quitting. You might be worried about the cravings, putting on weight, dealing with stress or everyone around you smokes which makes it hard.

Before you plan to quit you must first do three things.

Write down when you first began smoking and why. Maybe it was cool too smoke or all your friends done it. This always helps you to realise how silly your reasons were for starting.

Then write down how you felt before you began smoking. Perhaps you were full of energy, confident and more motivated.

Finally write down the reasons why you want to stop smoking. Being a non-smoker means you feel healthier, save money, smell fresher, and reduce the risk of disease.

Keep the paper and refer to it when you’re planning to quit.

Planning

This is the most important part of quitting.

When you are planning to quit the first thing you should do is pick a day that you are going to quit and then stick to it.

This date does not have to be next week. You can plan a date for say 3 months time. The idea is that once you have chosen a date you already changed your way of thinking and are committed to quitting.

Try to take one day at a time and slowly decrease the amount of cigarettes you smoke with your targets in mind.

You must then set some stages for your self over those three months.

Example of this might be;

Stage 1.

By the end of the First month I want to be smoking 6 cigarettes per day.

Stage 2.

By the end of the second month I want to be down to 3 cigarettes per day.

Stage 3.

This month I will try to get down to one cigarette per day aiming to stop completely on the date 02/08/2007.

Plan how to deal with your temptations. Everyone who smokes knows it is hard to resist the temptations of a cigarette. Take time out and think about when you most feel the urge to smoke.
Is it at the pub, after a meal, on a break at work?

Make a list of these situations and stick it on a wall or take the list everywhere you go to remind you. Plan ways to avoid temptations.

Most people I know trying to quit will deal with everything in there heads. This makes things very hard. Write it down on paper, Keep it simple and it will help you quit.

Also tell everyone about your quit date. Get support from your family and friends.

Consult your doctor about using nicotine patches or gum or Zyban. These products can help you deal with cravings and increase your chances of success. They are available on prescription.

Plunge

Take the plunge

It’s now reached that time and you are doing excellent. Your well prepared and now have the support of your family and friends. You have met your goals in the planning stages and now you’re ready to stop smoking for good. Imagine how fresh and healthy you will feel.

The night before you quit you must get rid of any temptations. Check your entire house. Check your pockets. Throw away any cigarettes, lighters, matches and ashtrays. Anything that will remind you of smoking.

Remember that the first few weeks are the worst and you will soon begin to feel better. This is a sign that your body is starting to recover.

• Cravings - your brain is missing the nicotine fix, this will get better after time.
• Coughing - your lungs are clearing out tar. Warm drinks always help to soothe your cough.
• Hunger, diarrhea or constipation - your body is just returning to normal, eat more healthy snacks and avoid junk food.
• Dizziness - your brain is getting used to having a normal amount of oxygen. Don't worry this should only last a few days.
• Trouble sleeping, bad mood swings - this is nicotine withdrawal and shouldn't last long

Remember that your family and friends are always there to help you, encourage you and remind you of the reasons why you are quitting.

Proud

Well done you have finally giving up. So feel proud of yourself. It’s been a long and very hard journey so don't spoil it by thinking you can now handle just one quick cigarette. This would make the whole journey pointless.

Don't ruin your hard work. Try thinking yourself as a non-smoker rather than an ex-smoker.

Stay motivated by reminding yourself ever morning in the mirror that you’re in control and you are now a non-smoker.

Think about how much money you will now have spare in the bank.

You will notice that your skin and teeth will look healthier.

You will eventually feel more energetic and your cough and horrible wheeze will disappear. Your circulation and lungs will improve day by day.

This is now time for you to think about your diet and health. Please click the link to check out my six steps to keeping healthy. Stay Healthy