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11 self-help tips to stop smoking for good

So, you have made the decision to finally stop smoking. Here are our top tips to help you kick the habit once and for all!

  • Set a start date and stick to it.
  • Prepare mentally, the day before by reminding yourself continually of the negative health implications and the huge financial costs of supporting the habit.
  • Stopping the habit is different for everyone, so do your research and find an approach that suits your life. This may be going 'cold turkey' and stopping suddenly, gradually reducing your intake of cigarettes or using a nicotine substitute to manage your cravings.
  • Each time a craving hits, tell yourself you will have a cigarette in an hour and repeat. See how long you can go with that method. If you have gone ?cold turkey' stay focused and find distractions when you feel the need to smoke.
  • Stay away from situations where you would normally light up a cigarette such as parties, coffee shops, pubs, etc.
  • Repeating constant affirmations such as ?I have stopped' or ?I no longer smoke' can be useful to remind yourself of what you have achieved.
  • Do not keep cigarettes around you as an ?emergency' supply, this will only undermine your willpower.
  • If you feel stressed, sit and breathe deeply through your nose for two minutes, this floods the body with oxygen and releases calming endorphins.
  • Exercise will help to rid the body of cigarette toxins, as will time in a sauna or steam room.
  • Buy a peak flow meter to measure your increased oxygen capability. Test weekly and record the results.

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