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How to Quit Smoking?

Smoking is injurious to health! The fact is well know by all of us, but how many smokers really pay heed to this thought. Smoking is related to a range of health-related risks, but that doesn't make it any easier to kick the habit. No matter if you are an occasional smoker or a pack-a-day smoker, quitting the habit can be really tough. Cigarettes have nicotine that relieves stress quickly and relaxes the nerves. In order to quit smoking​, you will need to find a healthier way to keep up with your fluctuating moods. The withdrawal symptoms can be really hard to cope up with, but with the right game plan, you can break the addiction and join the millions of people who have kicked the habit for good.

A good quitting plan addresses both the short-term challenge of stopping smoking and the long-term challenge of preventing relapse. The plan should be tailor-made that matches your needs and smoking habits.

Follow these simple steps to quit smoking:

1. Be strategic and set a quit date

It's difficult to just dive right in and stop smoking. You should set a particular quit date. To quit smoking, is a big change you want to bring in. Be strategic about when it would be a good time to quit.

2. Identify triggers

Figuring out what makes you want to smoke is a part of your quit plan. Just like you use calorie counter to track your caloric intake, you should know what are the triggers that force you to smoke. For instance, going out drinking, having a cup of coffee or tea, stressing out are few common triggers.

3. Beat your triggers

Good work! You've identified your triggers and now its the time to plan for how you'll avoid or overcome them. If you smoke while driving back home, keep some dry fruits and nuts to binge on. You can also make a playlist to belt out at the top of your lungs. Make a plan and on how you are going to suppress those triggers.

4. Get canny about your smoking addiction

Along with being a bad habit, smoking is also a physical addiction. Make yourself educated about the effects of nicotine on your brain and make an educated decision of quitting. You can also use quit smoking aids to boost your chances of quitting successfully.

5. Select a quit smoking aid

Now that you have learned about how addiction works and have a fair knowledge about different quit smoking aids, its the time to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which one is the best suited for you. Use medications that help you withdraw easily such as gum, the patch, inhaler or prescription medicines.

6. Tell someone, anyone

Sharing is caring! Tell at least one friend, family member or co-worker you trust that you're quitting-  this will not only encourage them to help you but also make you feel empowered.

7. Out with the old, in with the new

The first step in forgetting an old flame is throwing out all the stuff that reminds you of "the way we were." Go through your house, your car and your workplace and toss out everything that has to do with smoking. Lighters, ashtrays, even the dashboard lighter in your car. Get rid of all of them!

8. Get ready, get set

Get ready to quit by having other good ways to cope with cravings. Find a refillable water bottle; stock up on things to chew on like carrot sticks, toothpicks, sugarless candy and gum; and snag something fun for your hands like a squeeze toy or drumsticks. Keep yourself motivated.

9. Go

Beat your triggers and take on the cravings heads on! Get dressed, eat, grab your bottle of water and your quit smoking aid and go! Just focus on getting through this one day without smoking. And then take it one day at a time.

If you are quitting smoking, then its a brilliant step. But, don't forget about the ill effects smoking ahs already done to your body. It is advisable to protect your health against unforeseen circumstances with a comprehensive health insurance policy. There are several types of health insurance plans available in the market. Buy one now!