Reasons to Quit

It is thought that thousands of people quit smoking every day, and that thousands more replace them; why should you quit smoking. Some people quit for their health, for others it is the financial costs, and for some they want to regain control over their lives. Even the most dedicated person can find it difficult to quit when their triggers arise, that is one reason it is important to reason to have support to quit smoking and stay quit.

Support to quit smoking can come in many forms; a support group, a trusted friend or relative, a doctor, or even internet based quit smoking support groups. Whichever way you feel the most confident that you will be able to stand up to your triggers and stay the course even no matter how your situation changes.

Knowing Your Triggers

What are triggers? Triggers are your automatic “I need to smoke” response situations; for example when many smokers wake up they are triggered to smoke. Knowing your most habitual triggers will help you to quit successfully. The best way to do this is to make a smoking journal, write down each cigarette you smoke for one week and why; not only are you likely to be surprised how many cigarettes you smoke, but also why, share your findings with your quit smoking support person or group. How often do you smoke because your bored, tired, hungry, driving, stressed, or dozens of other reasons?

Identify your strongest triggers; know which of your triggers are the strongest and come up with counter measures. Quit smoking support groups are terrific resources for alternatives to smoking in various situations, because they have already been through it, or are currently going through it, and are making the same excuses you are. At least at when you first quit smoking you will want to avoid your biggest triggers such as being enclosed with smokers, or drinking alcohol.

Will Power

The toughest part about quitting smoking is that you have to maintain the will power to change your daily routine; you could have to make 20 or more modifications depending on how many cigarettes you smoke each day. It is a big job but not impossible; having support to quit smoking is very helpful to many people. A support person or group can help you to have someone to talk to when you are tempted to give in to temptation.

Choosing a Support Person or Group

Once you have decided to quit smoking, choosing your quit smoking support is important; your success could be determined by this decision. This person should be available to you most of the time, if nothing else just to be able to call for a reality check. They should also help you to find places that are smoke free and encourage you to stay the course when you feel like giving up. They should also try to help you over come obstacles like weight gain, by working out. Continue to make sure that you only eat at smoke free restaurants until you are more confident of your abilities to overcome your triggers.