International surveys show that 7 of 10 smokers tried to quit at least once, but only 3 of 10 smokers manage to overcome their addiction. There are several simple, yet effective strategies that can help those smokers who willing to get rid of their habit but can't do it.
Visit physicians
Ok, this is definitely not a new method, but it indeed works. Stats show that the chances of quitting smoking increase up to 40 percent when a smoker opt for medical counseling or enrolls in a cessation program. The physicians will examine you and select the nicotine replacement therapies that will help you. Of course the medications are not free; however, many Quit-line programs available across the U.S. provide free therapies, such as gums and patches.
Surf the web
Psychologists suggest that group therapy is a very effective way to get rid of smoking and drinking alcohol. So, you can search a group of smokers willing to quit on Facebook or other social network, and join it, or create your own group. Confiding your smoking-related problems in other people can be a nice help in overcoming nicotine cravings and reducing the temptation to light up.
Calm down
You feel too much stress due to unhappiness in personal life, failure to meet deadlines at work, or simply too much work? Depression is too much too bear? Well if the answer is ‘yes' you are likely to be hooked on smoking, as stress is one of the major reasons in keeping many smokers puffing. In case you light up to deal with problems, you should try to discuss your problem with your family, employer, beloved person, etc. You should understand that lighting up a cigarette will not resolve the matter; it is you who has to take care of it.
Do physical exercises
According to physicians, 15 minutes of jogging, swimming or cycling are an effective way of overcoming nicotine addiction. The research carried out by the University of California research team shows that physical exercises cause changes in brain activity and provoke dopamine hormone release, which in its turn reduces nicotine cravings.
Try electronic cigarettes
Well, though it's a very controversial device, and some scientists allege e-cigs contain carcinogens and should be banned, still, thousands smokers who switched to e-cigarettes say they are feeling much better and experience no need to light up. But, it is up to you to decide whether to try these unapproved and unregulated devices or not.
Tune up and convince yourself
Many smokers managed to give up smoking on their own by managing to convince themselves that smoking is hazardous for their health. Think of your relatives and family, that you harm them with your smoking. Imagine one day you will die prematurely from cancer, pneumonia, emphysema, or other severe disease. If it doesn't convince you, I am not sure what will.
Try again
Even if you didn't manage to quit smoking this time, don't give up and try it again later. While you are preparing to go smoke-free, meet your friends who managed to quit smoking, visit non-smoking public places, and evaluate the advantages of life without tobacco. Good Luck!
