One Day At A Time: Stop smoking tips from the American Cancer Society

?When you get the urge to light up, remember why you chose to quit. Each smoker has his or her own reasons: family, children, health. Keep reminding yourself of your reasons for quitting.

?Say it like you mean it. Repeat your reasons for quitting 10 times each night before going to bed.

?Choose a method for quitting that fits your personal needs. Discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.

?Don't go it alone. Reach out to family members and try to recruit other smokers you know to join you in quitting.

?Enroll in a counseling support program, either from a smoking cessation organization or as part of an over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy.

?To cope with cravings, practice the 4Ds:

Take Deep breaths.

Drink lots of water throughout the day.

Do something else to avert your attention go for a walk, eat a carrot.

Delay reaching for a cigarette.

?Remove triggers that might entice you to smoke. Throw out all your cigarettes, breaking them in half and wetting them down. Clean out all the ashtrays in your home, office, or car, and put them away. Discard matches and lighters.

?Scramble up your day and change your habits connected with smoking. Drive a different route to work; eat lunch in a new place.

?At meals, eat slowly and pause between bites. Leave the dinner table immediately after finishing eating to avoid the urge to light up.

?Try to stay away from alcoholic beverages. This will curb the urge to light up while you're drinking and will keep extra pounds off.

?Eat three meals. This maintains constant blood-sugar levels, thus lowering urges to smoke. Avoid sugar-laden foods or spicy foods that often trigger a desire for cigarettes.

?Work out. Exercise helps relieve tension and your urge to smoke.

?Cleanse your body of nicotine. Drink liquids, lots of them. Water (six to eight glasses daily), herbal teas, fruit juices and caffeine-free soft drinks all fit the bill. Pass up coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

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