The attempt to stop smoking is a very difficult endeavor. To be able to manage the cravings that are often associated with the withdrawal phase, involves perseverance and purposefulness. See, as a smoker tries to cleanse his body from the nicotine that he consumes, the body would continue to look for nicotine for it to be able to function properly.
Being the smoker you will be encouraged to smoke, as these cravings strive to fulfill the body's requirements. But this is really where you need to maintain focus and be strong. If you are committed to give up smoking, you need to fight the cravings.
A number of smokers will turn to drugs during the withdrawal phase of their attempt to give up smoking. Several medicines that are publicized by media are offered to the public to help defeat the urge to smoke; and they are designed to give pleasure to the brain in the same way the nicotine affects the brain.
Because of these drugs, the smokers will have exactly the same feeling as if they had just finished a stick; so as a result, there is really no need for the smokers to actually puff a cigarette.
Despite the help that you may get from drugs, you still have to keep in mind that you still need to exert effort in order for you to successfully overcome the temptation to smoking. Be reminded that the first few days of your renunciation would really be the toughest, so you should be prepared to face the difficulty.
Those daily routines may include times when you would take a cigarette break, and some situations may make you think of taking a break and having a cigarette.
For example, if part of your daily routine is standing in the "smoking clutch" outside your work before heading in, it will be difficult just to walk through the door without stopping. For some people, they try to replace a cigarette with healthier foods life cinnamon sticks or celery just to satisfy the need to have something pressed between their lips; and if it is your hands which crave for something to hold on to, try to replace the cigarette stick with a pencil or anything which may take its place.
If you are the kind of person who associates smoking with drinking, then you may want to avoid drinking alcohol as well. If you find things to do that will take your mind off smoking and keep you so busy you don't have time to take a break and think about smoking, it will help tremendously.
If despite all your efforts to avoid smoking, you are still craving for a puff, you may want to try these few tricks just to satisfy your longing:
Light a matchstick instead of a cigarette, and pretend that it is a cigarette stick that you are holding. Your brain may be deceived by this technique, and the urge may pass, but if you do not get satisfaction from this, a relaxing bath may do the trick. Never lose sight of the reasons that you are giving up smoking, and remain steadfast. Reiterate your goals, and affirm that you can overcome this struggle through your strength.
Do not allow yourself to be talked into "just one cigarette", because although you may not realize it, even one cigarette can completely undermine your endeavor, and you could find yourself back at square one. And, lastly, the support and encouragement of friends and family is paramount in your endeavor, so don't hesitate to request that they assist you as you work to give up smoking.
