You can create your own smoking cessation plan. You do not have to write it down, but you can if you think that would help. You can choose any method that you feel would work for you. You know yourself better than any doctor. Cold turkey is one possibility, or hypnosis, or nicotine gum and nicotine patches. There are also non-nicotine alternatives, such as biomagnetic earrings and plastic cigarettes. Choose only the smoking cessation aids you know can realistically follow.

After you have chosen your method or methods, and obtained your supplies, it is time to really get down to planning. If you can find the answers to the following questions, you can succeed. Answer the questions, and choose action steps to take when these situations arise, as they will undoubtedly do.

1. What will I do about severe cravings? Will I call a friend, go for a walk, take a shower? Choose several things you think will help, and be on the lookout for other ideas.

2. What related behaviors make me want to smoke? Should I quit those behaviors? Do them in a way that will not trigger cigarette cravings?

3. Do I need a support group? If so, will it be from family, friends, or friends-yet-to-meet?

4. How will I handle my first setback? My second one? What are some ways I can get re-motivated to try again?

5. What can I do to keep my mind off smoking?

When you quit smoking, your body will go through nicotine withdrawal. You might experience headaches, lack of concentration, tiredness, shakiness, crankiness, moodiness and extreme hunger.

Planning ahead for cravings, setbacks, and lack of motivation is a realistic approach, and one that gives many people success. Most people do not succeed the first time they try to stop smoking. So cut yourself some slack and be prepared to trip on the road to success.

Life is going to hand you difficulties and challenges. If you have a pre-planned list of strategies to use when those times confront you, you will have a better chance at succeeding. Stay as flexible as possible. If one plan does not work, abandon it as soon as possible and try something else on your list. Keep adding to your list. Ask others for their ideas to help you add strategies to your list.

The benefits of quitting smoking begin Within twenty minutes of your last cigarette. Blood pressure, resting pulse, and the temperature of your hands and feet are able to return to normal. Within eight hours, your blood oxygen level will rise to a normal level. Within 24 hours your risk of heart attack will decrease.

Any shortness of breath and asthma symptoms you have are likely to get better within the first two to four weeks after you stop smoking. Everyone who quits smoking signinficantly decreases their likelihood of contracting heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, or lung cancer. Even if you have been a smoker for a long time, quitting can lower your chances of getting lung cancer.

Remember that you will reap all these healthful benefits and more. You will attain the smoke-free life if you keep on trying.

If you focus on not smoking again ever for life, it can be extremely overwhelming. But if you focus on not smoking today, you will have a better chance of maintaing your success. Remember it only takes 3 days for the withdrawal symptoms to peak and subside. After a month or two you will no longer want a cigarett. It just takes some time. Once you see how good you start to feel, look and smell without cigarettes, you will want to continue the non-smoking lifestyle.