One part of the challenge to quit smoking will be learning how to avoid temptation. This will involve learning how to control your cravings when no one else is there, as well as avoiding social situations that would make it difficult for you to not smoke. For these reasons and more, it is a good idea to come up with a detailed plan for quitting before your actual quit day arrives. This will help provide you with strategies to deal with challenges as they arise and improve your chances for success.



One way of dealing with the physical, behavioral discomfort of breaking a smoking habit is to ensure you have alternatives available for keeping your mouth and hands occupied. Cinnamon sticks, chewing gum, straws, or healthy snacks such as celery or carrot sticks, sunflower seeds, and so on, have been useful to many people. Others have found knitting, playing cards, or squeezing a stress ball to be helpful in keeping your mind and body busy.

Lifestyle changes will also be part of your stop smoking experience. Take into consideration when and where you generally smoke most often, and look for ways to alter these situations so you will be less likely to be tempted. Arrange to spend time with friends in non-smoking environments, post reminders of your goals and progress in places like your car, consider taking a walk on your coffee break and avoid the designated smoking areas.

Your friends and family will more than likely be very supportive and glad to help you reach your goal. Let them know if there are specific areas that you are struggling with, and if there are things they can do to help. There will be many challenges along the way, but taking advantage of the many resources available, combined with your determination, will help you quit smoking successfully.

Other ways to help you avoid the temptation to smoke while trying to quit can involve hypnosis, cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques that can all help change the way you think about smoking, making it less of a desirable activity, and strengthening your resolve to carry out your plan. The clearer you are on your reasons for quitting, the more likely you will be able to carry out your commitment.

Start by investigating your options for support, and the many helpful tricks and tools that are available. Online resources provide a wealth of information, including testimonials from other former smokers, tips that helped them, information about nicotine products to gradually reduce your addiction, and agencies and organizations that you can contact for further information. Many books and detailed programs are available, so consider your options to make an informed choice on the plan that is most likely to work for you. Congratulations, you have taken the first step.