Want to know how to quit smoking? True, it is never easy to quit smoking! You’ve got to have the right discipline and proper determination to be able to throw away those sticks that may cause serious lung ailments.

We all know that smokers don’t get old – because they die young. It is a fact that smoking is dangerous to anyone’s health, so people who smoke should stop now or face the grave consequences later in their lives. Here are a few tips and advices on how to quit smoking:

In most cases, smoking is just such a strong habit that simple determination cannot break it. Once a smoker decides to quit, he should reinforce by a line of thinking that emphasizes the greater advantages of quitting as compared with the temporary joy and satisfaction of smoking. Rather than thinking as being deprived of some pleasure, a soon to be ex-smoker should think positively and picture himself as one undertaking a new rewarding adventure.

The first thing to do in the process of quitting is to set a date that is not too far in the future when the new program is to begin. Choose a time with minimum work, stress, and uneasiness. Once the beginning date has come, start by saying to yourself, “Five more days and I will be free from this noxious habit.” You should announce this decision to friends and family members and brag about your decision to quit smoking.

Practice your line of reasoning. This will strengthen your determination when later urge to smoke becomes strong. Think such situations through and what to do to avoid temptations to smoke. Make sure to be occupied at mealtime and allow no occasion for you to whip out a cigarette. Bringing a gum or candy to keep your hands and lips busy is a good idea. Do not taper off; plan how to quit smoking once and for all.

When the quitting day arrives, do a little ceremony. Invite friends to watch as you throw away all your remaining cigarettes. From then on, focus yourself on your development. Congratulate yourself after the first hour, not because victory has been attained, but because you are on the way to finally quitting.

Surely there will come a time when the urge to smoke would come to you. It will be strong but you must not let it control you. Persist one second at a time and wait for it to diminish. Count the seconds, if necessary, as you say, “Every second I count brings me closer to the moment the urge will weaken.”

The craving for smoke will keep recurring, but you must always hold out against it. Each success of holding it off will eventually weaken it. You will have a sense of personal pride in proving that you are in command of yourself.

Be on guard all the time. The craving will never overcome you if you stay alert. Keep congratulating yourself on your success and keep recounting the advantages of your freedom from smoking.

Treat yourself during the critical periods. Provide good food at regular mealtimes, get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, and avoid the use of stimulants and highly seasoned food.

Victory over smoking brings great rewards. As an ex-smoker achieves success, he feels courageous and his self-respect rises. His rewards for quitting the smoking habit will be improved health, prospect of longer life, and greater pleasure of living.