Chemist Direct Info

1. Why Should You Stop smoking?

You may have resolved to quit smoking but what will motivate you to do so? Without the will and motivation, chances of succeeding are reduced. List the reasons on paper and go through it often to stay on track.

2. Decide on time lines

Decide early on the date you will quit. Inform your family and friends. Let your workmates know as well. Having the support of those around you will make a big difference. They can keep you going and make sure you do not fall off the wagon.

3. Take advantage of Nicotine Replacement Therapy or NRT

When you have decided to stop smoking, your resolve may be strong and you may believe you can do it cold turkey. It would however not be wise to take this approach. Most of those who take this approach end up relapsing. This is because nicotine is very addictive and the brain becomes completely reliant on it and the body tends to react to the lack of it with withdrawal symptoms. This can be very frustrating and depressing. It helps a lot to use lozenges, gum and nicotine patches. They could even double your chances of quitting.

4. Manage Your Stress Levels

Quitting is stressful. One reason people smoke is to release tension so trying to quit really heightens stress levels. Make an attempt to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Take up relaxing leisure activities and take up exercise such as yoga.

5. Avoid Trigger Factors

Certain situations may increase your urge to want to start smoking again. For instance alcohol can be one of the most common triggers. Avoid going to the pub in the first few weeks of quitting smoking. Having a cigarette during your coffee break at work can also be a tempting situation. Drink plenty of water and switch to another caffeine-free beverage instead.

6. Give yourself a gift

One of the things you will notice when you stop smoking on top of all those health benefits is the extra cash you have to hand. In fact why not save all the money you could of spent on cigarettes and place it in a jar. Over time this will be a highly visible reminder of how much your smoking habit cost. Then periodically splash out – you deserve it, buy yourself a special present for your landmark achievement.

7. Keep the weight at bay.

Quitting smoking is hard enough but many ex-smokers are saddled with the fear and reality of weight gain. This is due to an increase in appetite when you stop smoking. Make a concerted effort to eat healthily and avoid those foods high in fat and sugar such as fast food. Eat more vegetables and replace that chocolate snack bar with a piece of fruit.

8. If at first you don’t succeed….

Being unable to stay on track and lighting up is common when one is trying to quit. This may happen more than one time. Stay positive and pick yourself up. Think about what causes you to fail. Next time, use this factors you have come to understand hold you back and overcome them. Choose a new date and start all over again.

9. Self Help Groups

You may find that you need extra help after all quitting smoking is not easy. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional about referring you to a self help group. They have a good track record on helping people to quit smoking. Don’t suffer in silence sign-up to a forum on-line and speak to like minded people who can empathise with you. Chances are that their will be others out there with worse experiences than yours.

10. Last but not least, stay positive

If you have a can-do attitude then chances are you will succeed and quit forever. You certainly will not do yourself any favours if you are constantly doubting your resolve. When things get rough just tell yourself you can get through this. Put temptation to the back of your mind ignore that urge and think positive thoughts – YOU CAN DO IT!

For the best deals on nicotine replacement therapy then go to Chemist Direct.