Quitting smoking is no easy task, even for the iron-willed. The problem is that even people who want to kick the habit feel they get a benefit from smoking. In order to remove yourself from the emotional attachment of smoking and end the habit once and for all, take advice from the following tips to get started.

To increase your chances of being successful in your efforts to quit smoking, consider writing out a list of pros and cons of quitting. When you write something down, it can work to adjust your frame of mind. This can help to motivate you to stay on course, and might even make quitting easier because you are able to remain focused.

You may wish to join a support group when you decide to stop smoking. Support groups can help you learn how to cope with the physical and emotional challenges you may experience while quitting. Other ex-smokers can support you in your attempt to stop smoking, and can suggest techniques to try that worked for them. Contact local community organizations such as community colleges, recreational centers and religious organizations to ask about support groups for ex-smokers.

Getting in shape will help you to kick the habi,t by distracting you from cravings and restoring your health. You can also lower your stress levels by exercising. Start slowly by taking walks around your neighborhood. Ask your doctor in advance of beginning any exercise routine.

If you are overwhelmed by the urge to smoke try using the delay tactic. Tell yourself you will wait about 10 minutes and then assess how you feel. During that time, distract yourself and chances are, after the 10 minutes are up, the craving will be gone. If this does not happen right away, keep repeating this technique.

Tell your relatives that you are quitting, so that they can provide support. It’s critical, however, that they understand that you want positive support, not reproach. Let them know that in the beginning of the process, you will probably not be in the best of moods and that your thought processes may be off. Quitting smoking is not easy, so you should enlist the support of your loved ones to help you through the process.

If you find it too daunting to quit smoking cold-turkey, consider helping the process along by trying replacements like nicotine patches or gum. These products can be bought over the counter and give your body nicotine while you are breaking the habit. They are very helpful in reducing the withdrawal symptoms.

Perhaps nicotine replacement therapy would be helpful. As you are going through nicotine withdrawal, you might feel irritable, restless, frustrated or depressed. A lot of the cravings are quite overwhelming. You may find that nicotine replacement therapy will help reduce these feelings. Studies have proven that those who use nicotine patches, gum or lozenges have double the chances of successfully quitting. Make sure not to incorporate these products simultaneously while smoking, as there can be devastating effects.

The first step in quitting cigarettes is to fully commit yourself to the endeavor before you figure out how you’re going to go about doing it. Most people who quit do so because of a lack of willpower. You could stay committed by remembering the reasons on why you wanted to stop smoking initially.

Discuss your wish to quit smoking with your doctor. A physician has access to resources that you do not. If the situation requires it, your doctor may prescribe you medication to quit smoking.

Let family and friends know that you plan to quit smoking. The people who care about you will remind you of your need to quit. The best method of quitting is having an excellent support system in place. This will help you significantly increase your chance of successfully quitting smoking.

Remember, the first week without cigarettes will be the most difficult. In the first two days you’ll be expelling the toxins that smoking put into your body. After that, you will experience mainly psychological cravings. While still difficult, this will make resisting them considerably less traumatic.

As you’ve seen, quitting smoking doesn’t have to be scary and impossible to do. All it takes is determination and confidence to quit smoking, so start this worthwhile journey by using the tips outlined above to help you achieve your goal. You could surprise yourself at what you can accomplish when you have determination.