Title: Smoking is Injurious to Health Post by: Ryan Martis on May 09, 2009, 03:30:25 AM Kick the butt
(http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l336/glamgalz/funzug/imgs/informative/smoking_injurious_health_01.jpg) We all know that smoking is injurious to health. The list of problems it causes stretches on and on and includes everything from lung cancer to emphysema to wrinkles. But what do you do when you really want to stop smoking? Although difficult, it is possible to quit smoking, especially with help and support from family, friends, and the medical community. Decide that YOU want to quit smoking In order to stop smoking, you have to be the one who wants to stop. Even if everyone around you wants you to quit smoking, the choice is yours and will only work if you decide you are ready to quit. List the reasons for quitting Listing the reasons — in detail — to stop smoking can help your decision. Write them on notes and put them around your house where you can see them. (http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l336/glamgalz/funzug/imgs/informative/smoking_injurious_health_02.jpg) Calculate how much money you will save if you stop smoking Figure out how much money you will save per week, month, and year, and then decide where you will direct that money once you quit smoking. Try to think of something that you have been wanting for a while. Set a date to quit smoking Set a date and stick to it. Maybe it can be your birthday or anniversary. Think of stopping smoking as a gift to yourself on this special occasion. Take care of yourself physically Since you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms, it's important to take the best care of yourself possible. Drink plenty of water instead of soda or alcohol, work out, don't work too many hours, and get plenty of sleep. Understand withdrawal Realize that, when you stop smoking, you will go through withdrawal. However, withdrawal symptoms are temporary and the worst of it will be over within a week. Be prepared for irritability, fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms, but keep telling yourself: "This will pass". (http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l336/glamgalz/funzug/imgs/informative/smoking_injurious_health_03.jpg) Be aware of triggers Most relapses occur within the first three months after one stops smoking. Remind yourself that it will get easier as you go on. Enlist help Talk to family and friends and explain that you are going to stop smoking in order to prepare them for any irritability or fatigue that may occur. Ask them to be willing to talk to you or go for a walk with you when you feel the urge to smoke. It would be better, if you find someone you already know who is willing to quit smoking with you. Stop smoking one day at a time If you think that you will never get to have a cigarette again, you will likely be so overwhelmed that you will reach for a cigarette immediately. Instead, tell yourself that you are going to stop smoking just for today. If you need to, take it one hour at a time. Realize that relapses happen to the best of people. If you have stopped smoking and relapsed, try again, and again until you are able to quit for good. |