Stomp Switch
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 10PCS Blue 3PDT True Bypass Effect Stomp Foot Switch  US $27.99
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Some people find it easy to stop smoking. For others, it becomes a life-long struggle. In the battle to give up those seductive little tubes, it helps to know what sort of person you are.
I have a friend who simply declared himself a non-smoker, and never touched another cigarette. That was 24 years ago. Lucky him. The rest of us have to cope with a little less steel in our spine, and will find these 8 tips very helpful in the battle to give up the evil weed.
Know why you Quit
First of all - who are you quitting for? If the answer isn't yourself, rethink your decision. If you're quitting for somebody else, there is going to come a time when you blame them for forcing you to stop. That isn't healthy, and it can become an excuse to restart.
Concentrate on the Positives
You've quit smoking. The health benefits kick in almost immediately, and it's likely you'll enjoy better health in old age. Every time you find yourself obsessing with what you're missing, switch gears and think about everything you've gained.
Start Exercising and appoint a Low-cal Emergency Snack
Many smokers find they gain wait when they quit smoking. To head off this possibility, start exercising. I strongly recommend you go see your doctor first, tell him/her you're giving up smoking and want to start exercising. Get a check up, and ask him/her to help you create an exercise plan appropriate to your health and age. After all - you didn't give up smoking to kill yourself!
Find yourself a low-calorie emergency snack that fits in your purse or briefcase, and have plenty on stand-by for those moments when you find yourself wanting to substitute food for cigarettes. If you're going to indulge anyway, it pays to have something healthy and low-cal about your person. If you don't, you'll find yourself at the mercy of convenience snacks - most of which are packed full of sugar and fat.
Get rid of the Paraphernalia
Ashtrays, lighters and packets of cigarettes all serve to remind you that you're a smoker. If you've given up for good, get rid of those little reminders. After all - you're a non-smoker now.
Get Amateur Help
Identify friends, family and colleagues that have a self-interest in helping you to quit. Ask for their help, and explain the ways in which they can provide support.
In particular, it's useful to have one or more people you can contact during those times when you're most tempted. For example - when you're stressed it helps to be able to phone somebody and tell them you're tempted because of stress. Lean on these people to get you through the first month (with their permission of course).
Naturally, this is more likely to work if they are non-smokers, care about you, and want to help you quit.
Get Professional Help
There are many professional smoking cessation programmes available. As you'd expect, some better than others. Make sure you avoid the hype, and find a qualified professional such as a Chartered Psychotherapist with a proven track record. Some professionals even offer a money-back guarantee.
If you live in the UK, give the NHS Free Smoking Helpline a call on 0800 022 4332. This call costs you nothing, and gives you access to a free stop-smoking pack.
Create a Plan
Identify those places and times that your mind inevitably links with smoking, and create a plan of action that ensures you have an alternative on hand. Each person is different, and your plan will work best if you come up with your own alternative strategies.
If your first plan fails, try again. And keep trying until you find something that works for you.
Forgive Yourself
If you "fall off the wagon", don't allow yourself to descend into the misery of self-recrimination and guilt. Acknowledge the failure, and recommit to being a non-smoker. Wallowing in self-pity, blame and guilt is a choice. Leaving all that garbage behind is as easy as deciding to do so. Every time guilt raises its repulsive head, stomp on it and get on with your life.
Wayne Davies is a Web Marketing Consultant based in London (UK).
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