Do you want to learn how to quit smoking? Have you been smoking for years? Your family and most importantly your health has been seriously affected by the habit. As you become conscious of the risks involved, you will decide to quit.

Congratulations, you’ve made a bold move. The decision to quit smoking is a big step in itself. Now, the question remains, are you going to follow through on your plan?

Below, we discuss how to quit smoking in five simple steps.

Did you know after 1 year of quitting smoking your risk of heart attack drops significantly? The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of someone who still smokes.

Step 1: Have A Quit Plan

Once you have made up your mind about kicking the smoking habit, create a plan.

First, set a quit date then start preparing for it.

The quit date can be a week later after you have made your decision. It should not be too far in the future and also try not to change your mind.

To prepare for the date, you can start taking up small quitting measures. For instance, you can start reducing your cigarette intake slowly, or you can just stop smoking altogether.

However, the latter is a more difficult decision. If you settle for it, dispose of all your cigarettes and ashtrays and get yourself some oral substitutes such as gum, hard candy, and carrot sticks.

On the other hand, for some people, it’s easier to quit when a pack of cigarettes is still available with “the option” of having one. But don’t neglect to actually investigate what’s in cigarettes if you’ve never actually looked at it.

Step 2: Distract Yourself

When the quit date arrives, it means you should stop smoking entirely even if you were doing so lightly. When the cravings kick in, you might be tempted to do otherwise.

Therefore, you need to stay busy as much as possible and try out different activities to keep your mind off smoking.

Go to the gym and exercise or out for a stroll. Grab a movie with non-smoking friends and family or visit the zoo. When the urges become too much, take several deep breaths and try to relax.

Also, drink a lot of water. When you think you want to give in to the cravings, think again about why you really need to quit the habit.

Step 3: Consult A Doctor

See a doctor for more advice especially one that concerns medications.

Quitting smoking may result in very serious withdrawals.

They can be difficult to tackle especially if you are doing it all on your own.

If you feel the need, you can use certain non-nicotine medications on the market which can help you quit smoking.

Seeing a professional doctor will help you get the right prescription.

Step 4: Create A Smoke-Free Zone

Be very strict and disciplined about your decision to quit smoking. Avoid all smoking triggers as much as possible.

These are things, situations, and people that will set off your urge to smoke. You can ban people from smoking inside your home or in the car.

Completely change your routine if you have to and adapt to healthy diets.

Step 5: Seek Support

You do not have to do it alone. Ask for help, support, and encouragement from friends and family.

Once your loved ones know that you are trying to break a harmful habit for the greater good, they will have your back all the way.

Now you know how to quit smoking! If possible, begin with step one today.

Don’t give up on yourself, even if you falter from your plan. Put your moment of weakness behind you and keep pushing toward your goal of quitting smoking for good.