Quit Smoking Tips .. Go on, give 'em up ... and live

Below is a list of tips and useful bits of information to help you stay focused as you decide to quit smoking and as you progress towards being nicotine-free.

1. Within two hours of your last cigarette there is no more nicotine in your blood.

2. 40% of 'slip ups', in trying to quit smoking, happen in the first three days.

3. Within six hours of quitting, your heartbeat slows down and your blood pressure drops a little.

4. It's important to want to quit and to be confidant that you can.

5. Set a quit date (choose a day when you won't be under too much pressure) and start preparing.

6. Think about when and why you smoke and plan ahead for difficult situations.

7. Deal with your cravings with the four Ds - Delay, Deep breathe, Drink water and Do something else.

8. Without nicotine your body absorbs more caffeine - so try to also cut back on tea and coffee if you drink these.

9. Ring a supportive friend if you are experiencing troubles associated with quitting and need encouragement - plan the possibility of these phone calls with your friend ahead of time.

10. Each craving lasts only a few minutes. Don't let this be the day that you blow it.

11. You'll be less short of breath and your staying power will improve.

12. You will be feeling and smelling fresher, your tastebuds will come alive and you'll enjoy your sense of smell as it returns.

13. Reward yourself with the money you've saved.

14. If you've slipped up and had a cigarette, that's ok - most people take three or four goes to finally quit. Start the process over again.

15. Quitting reduces the risk of heart disease, bronchitis, emphysema, stroke and asthma attacks, as well as many other health problems.

16. Change your routine so that you don't automatically reach for a cigarette out of habit.

17. At first, try to spend more time with your non-smoking friends.

18. Put your cigarette money in a jar and save it as a reward.

19. If you are feeling tense, take a walk, jog, visit the gym or listen to a relaxation tape.

20. Practice saying "No thanks, I don't smoke."

21. For snacks stick to healthy foods such as fresh fruit and bite-sized vegetable pieces.

22. Ask your family and friends to support you while you quit.

23. Find new activities and ways to use your increased energy.

24. Avoid stressful occasions where cigarettes will be available, particularly around alcohol.

25. When drinking, especially if you smoke when drinking alcohol, try to hold your drink in the other hand, to remind you that things are different and your cigarette hand is occupied.

26. If you are beginning to think that "just one wouldn't hurt", try a diversion like a walk or call a friend.

27. The most dangerous thought is "I'll just have one."

28. You may feel as though you have lost a friend, but really you have lost an enemy.

29. It is important to be clear about your reasons for quitting, as these will motivate you to persevere.

30. Remember that the sooner you quit, the sooner you'll feel the health and financial benefits.

It would be a good idea to read through that list a few times. Perhaps you could print it off and read it a couple of times a day when you need to boost your quitting-power. I didn't go 'over the top' or use gruesome shock tactics, like acquainting smokers with what's really going on in their body and why quitting is so vital to health. Plenty of places can provide that if you need it. If you smoke, then you need to quit. It's that plain and simple. Don't complicate the issue. Make it a Nike moment - Just Do it!

Assisting the body's natural cleansing as it begins to recover from smoking is an excellent idea and failing to do this probably accounts for a large number of relapses in smokers who try to quit a number of times before being successful. Some herbal protection from Echinacea or Garlic and extra vitamin C would be wise. Specific cleansing support is also an excellent idea.

Article Source: http://www.HealthArticleBank.com

Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional and educator. She owns Herb Health Guide and Health Products Site. Jenny is also a regular contributor to The Health Gazette ezine.