How to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult challenges you will ever face, but the health benefits are more than worth it. Smoking can lead to diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema, and even erectile dysfunction.

Here are some of the ways to fight the cravings and successfully quit:

Eat Lollipops

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Smoking is what psychiatrists call an “oral fixation,” meaning that it involves a powerful, instinctive need to do mouth-based activities. Substituting one activity for another can go a long way to helping curb your cravings. Lollipops are a particularly good candy because you can hold them like a cigarette and it takes a relatively long time to completely consume them. Keep several handy eat them only when you are having a bad craving. If you try to pretend that you are getting your fix while you eat the candy, it helps.

Avoid Shopping in Stores You Know Sell Cigarettes

This one should be fairly obvious: if you know a certain place sells cigarettes, don’t go in that store! If you are getting gas and you know that the gas station sells tobacco, don’t go in. Not even to get a snack. Don’t tempt yourself. If you find yourself in the situation where you have to go to a certain store that you know sells cigarettes, try to get a family member or friend to go to the store for you.

Avoid Friends and Family that Smoke

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This one will be difficult, but the fact is that being around smokers is going to make you want to smoke. When smokers are close, smoking together can become sort of a ritual. Being left out of this ritual can put a strain on the relationship. In addition, during moments of weakness, who is going to be able to give you the cigarettes you crave? That’s right, friends and family that smoke. Try to stay away from them until you’ve quit completely, or at least try to make sure they don’t smoke around you.