Kicking the smoking habit

The truth about smoking is that it is dangerous for your health, your family member's health, and it is expensive. If you smoke one pack of cigarettes a day and it costs you about $3.50 a pack, you will spend $1,277.50 a year on cigarettes. This money should go toward other things like a vacation, or even as a small investment in your children's education. Almost every smoker knows the health consequences of smoking, but somehow they simply cannot seem to quit their smoking habit. Most people know that smoking is bad for their health, sets a poor example for their children, causes them to lose friends, and decreases the value of their assets. If you are tired of throwing away money and your health to the cancer stick, here are some tips to help you kick the smoking habit.

Tip # 1 - Desire
No one can force you to quit smoking; it has to come from your own desire. Think about all the extra money you spend directly related to your smoking addiction. Normally employers will charge you more money in health and life insurance costs because you smoke. You may even be denied a job because you are a smoker. In order to actually quit smoking, you need to be committed to it. Get a good support group around you because they will help you during the times when it seems impossible to quit smoking. Some past smokers have said that it is all in your mindset. If you have the desire to control your addiction, you can get through it. If you make a statement in your mind that you are going to be strong and quit smoking, you will be able to do it. Having a strong willpower will help you quit and you won't look back.

Tip # 2 - Exercise
One way to kick the smoking addiction is to hit the gym. Every time you start to get a craving for a cigarette, go for a jog or lift some weights. Exercise can really help you out when you are overwhelmed and it is great for the body. Your entire body will feel rejuvenated after a workout and you will have more energy. Develop a good deep breathing habit. Deep breathing will be able to help you balance your emotions when you are trying to work through stressful situations or even daily life.

Tip # 3 - How addicted are you?
In order to successfully quit smoking, you need to determine how addicted you really are. The American Lung Association states that you are addicted to cigarettes if you smoke more than one pack a day or if you have to have it with a meal or during stressful situations. Count how many times you need to go outside for a smoke break during the workday. If you go out more than 2 times, you are addicted to smoking. If you really want to kick the smoking habit, you need to quit cold turkey. The programs that try to wean you off smoking don't always work and they make it harder for some people.

Tip # 4 - Watch out for food!
As people try to quit smoking, they often start snacking a lot because they have that need to put something in their mouth. If you catch yourself grabbing for some snacks, make sure they are healthy ones. Carrots and celery are excellent snack foods and they won't pack on the pounds like potato chips and candies. Get some gum and start chewing on it during stressful times. Hard candy can even help you when you have the need to smoke.