Stop Smoking Methods That Work, Reviewed Here
One of the most important stop smoking methods is to identify and deal with what smoking triggers you to reach for a cigarette. If you’re like most smokers, you probably reach for a cigarette automatically at familiar times or in familiar places or certain circumstances. That’s because they trigger, or turn on, cigarette cravings. Breaking these habits can be the hardest method to quit smoking to learn for some people, because it often means a complete lifestyle change.
Try to notice when and where you feel uncomfortable not smoking, these times, places and circumstances are your smoking triggers. Your most common smoking trigger may well include; being around other smokers, being under time pressure, getting into an argument, drinking alcohol, experiencing frustration or bad moods.
You may be used to smoking when you’re stressed, bored, or angry. You may light up without even thinking about it. After months and years of lighting up, smoking becomes part of your routine daily coping mechanism.
Smoking goes with other things, too. You may light up when you feel a certain way or do certain things. For example; drinking coffee, wine or beer, talking on the phone, driving, being with other smokers etc. Becoming consciously aware of these smoking triggers is one of the most essential stop smoking methods for you to master.
Stop Smoking Methods – Record Your Smoking Triggers
By keeping a record of when you smoke, you can start to identify smoking triggers. Before you quit, consider keeping a smoking diary for a few days. List each cigarette you smoke and next to it write what you were doing and feeling at that time. As far as stop smoking methods go, this one will help you identify consciously identify your smoking triggers.
Next to each cigarette listed in your smoking diary you could also write an alternative way to deal with the situation without smoking. These could include relaxing, meditating, taking a walk, using worry beads to keep your hands busy, drinking water, chewing gum to keep your mouth busy, breathing exercises, yoga or qi gong, and so on.
Once you know what and where your smoking triggers are, you can figure out stop smoking methods to manage them and avoid smoking. Knowing your smoking triggers is crucial for stopping smoking. These stop smoking methods can help you stay away from things that tempt you to smoke and can prepare you to fight the urge when you are tempted.
Anticipate your smoking triggers. Keep your hands and mouth busy with other things. Drink a glass of cold water, brush your teeth, or enjoy a snack. Stretch, take a walk, or chat with a non-smoking friend.