Smokers who tried several ways to quit smoking swear it is tough.

In truth, there is no easy way to kick the habit. Those who succeeded went through a lot while those who are yet to try are facing a big daunting task that needs much physical, mental and emotional resolve to accomplish. Planning ahead is a good idea and with the help of some quit smoking guides, the unhealthy habit can be removed out of the smoker’s system.

The practical information contained in most quit smoking guides can be used even before one decides to stop smoking.

The initial suggestion is about picking a date when to put an end to the habit.

A smoker is instructed to write down the many reasons for his decision to stop smoking. This step is a helpful way in identifying the factors that trigger his craving.

You might lessen you cigarette consumption by refraining from smoking in certain circumstances like after meals and by performing alternative activities in lieu of smoking.

Renouncing the habit is difficult and most smokers suffer from relapse. These helpful tips can guide a smoker during the early phase of his therapy.

• Do not carry a single cigarette stick and lighter wherever you go. For me, access to cigarettes was critical; if there was a cigarette available, I’d smoke it. Keep or throw away all smoking paraphernalia such as ashtray, matches, etc. to avoid seeing something that can remind you of your habit. Prefer to be in places where smoking is not allowed such as library, movie house, museums, etc.

• Tell your family, friends and colleagues that you are withdrawing from smoking so they do not get offended when you keep your distance while they smoke. If you live with another smoker, you can tell him not to offer you a cigarette nor smoke in your presence. During the early stage, try to avoid smokers’ company to make sure you are far from being tempted to join their smoke billowing sessions. Hang out with friends who do not smoke.

• When you feel the urge, breathe deeply and focus on how you are regaining your health back. Delay and distract.  Find something to do and get busy with something until the desire is gone. Engaging in some exercise routine can help you relax.

• Find a good substitute for that cigarette. If you have ingrained the habit of ending a good meal with a few puffs, you can instead eat sugar-free candies or chewing gums. Do not replace your cigarette smoking with sugar-based or high-calorie foods otherwise you may gain weight or suffer from other illnesses related with these foods.

The Withdrawal Symptoms as Described by Quit Smoking Guides

The withdrawal symptoms are the unpleasant feelings that accompany a smoker once he starts to stop from smoking. The body longs for the instant pleasure derived in inhaling nicotine which is the addictive ingredient in cigarettes. If the craving is not satisfied, the smoker may feel various discomfiting sensations such as crankiness, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, loss of concentration and extreme mood swings. These symptoms may occur immediately after the body senses the loss of nicotine. These are all the usual, normal, but inconvenient difficulties experienced by smokers who want to quit. These are also what cause some of them to abandon their plan and go back to smoking again.

However, you need to stay in control and keep in mind you owe it to yourself to continue regardless of these difficulties. Soon enough, these symptoms are bound to disappear in two-week’s time. It is best to be reminded that undergoing the withdrawal systems is a lot easier than having to suffer and shoulder the expenses in treating the major diseases associated with smoking.

The desire to smoke cannot be removed easily especially if there are many associations and reminders about smoking. A smoker who plans to quit may still continue some of his daily routine that is capped by smoking. However, these are also good opportunities to test his determination to quit if he can overcome the craving in the midst of these tempting scenarios.

It is possible to have a relapse.

Do not lose hope. Do not surrender.