There are some things that if done before you begin your journey to a smoke free lifestyle that can boost your success rate.
These things are either free or really inexpensive to do.
1.
Get rid of everything that reminds you of cigarettes (i.
e.
ashtrays) Things that you use or can remind of you smoking will almost always trigger a craving.
If you remove these items from your home, or have someone hold them for you, your chance of relapsing decreases.
So through out the ashtrays, lighters and anything else you can think of that reminds you of smoking.
2.
Clean your house (i.
e.
walls, furniture, clothes The smell of smoke can also trigger a relapse.
Start by cleaning walls, furniture, and clothes that you smoke near or wear while you smoke.
Doing this will get rid of the tobacco odor in your home and reduce your desire to smoke.
Doing this to your car's upholstery will help also.
Even if you are a neat freak, your house and car will still smell of tobacco, so give them both a good cleaning.
3.
Disassemble your "smoking area" Most of us have an area where we smoke.
Mine is in the kitchen by the back door.
There you will find an ashtray, probably a cup of coffee, a chair and maybe a good book.
Get rid of that area, put the chair back, put the book in the living room, and the cup of coffee can stay with you.
You get the point.
Doing this will force you to change the habit of retreating to your area for a smoke.
4.
Tell your family and friends your plan, to enlist their support.
Telling your loved ones about your decision to quit smoking should make them ecstatic.
They should be willing to support you 100%, and help you when you feel a craving coming on.
Having support is a great way to back up your quitting smoking plan, and can keep you on track.
5.
Buy some healthy snacks (i.
e.
fruit, Chex mix, granola bars, etc.
) Having some healthy foods nearby will be able to curve your cravings, while keeping you from gaining weight.
This as we know is a "side-effect" of quitting smoking.
Get some fresh fruit, fresh fruit contains the nutrients that you body needs to keep you cleaned out, and clean from the toxins that smoking puts in your body.
6.
Get a hobby Having a hobby will keep your mind busy.
Whether it is scrap booking, cleaning, even more than you already do, knitting, fishing, one of the best is exercise, which too will keep you from gaining weight during your quitting time.
It doesn't matter what hobby you choose, just pick one, it will keep you occupied, and less likely to refrain to an old habit, like smoking.
Doing these things before you take on the task of quitting smoking will tremendously improve your chances of becoming completely smoke free for life.
It is always good to start something new before you attempt to quit a habit or addiction.
It keeps your mind off of things, and jumps starts your quitting plan.
By quitting smoking you will live a healthier, happier and longer life.
Free from the toxic chemicals that are put in cigarettes, and free from nicotine, which is why we keep coming back to the cigarettes in the first place, free from addiction.
So start your quitting action plan right and prepare your life and body for the dramatic changes that are coming, and always keep your head up, and get additional help if you need it.
Remember, having a relapse does not make you a failure, just recognize why you relapsed and try to avoid it in the future.
For additional help check out our resource box.