Quitting smoking doesn't have to be a lonely task
By: Darren Warmuth..
One of the hardest things to do is to quit smoking. And when you're just beginning the journey as a non-smoker, you can feel very isolated and alone. One of the keys to success of becoming a non-smoker is to set up a support system. Whether it be family support (be cautious in who you choose), online, or at a local smoking cessation meeting, having a support system is vital.
One of the most available tools is an online support group for those who do not have time to locate 'real' people. Through the online groups, you can reach out and connect with others who are striving to quit or those who have already quit. Nothing helps you get through cravings and challenges like seeing that other people have or are experiencing the exact same things you are.
When searching out these forums, be sure to find one that has the differing stages of quitting smoking broken down so that you can go straight to the area which would help you most. Find the posts that coincide with the challenges you are facing at the time and again, you will find that others will have had challenges with the very same issues.
Enlisting the support of family and friends, in most cases can be very helpful. One of the only drawbacks to this would be, that sometimes family and friends think that they are being supportive when in actuality by them reminding you over and over not to smoke they can actually be pushing you towards a relapse.
Best to deal with this issue before you quit by having a quick conversation with friends and family. Ask them not to incessently query you about 'how you are doing' as with the withdrawal symptoms, it is possible that you will become more easily agitated. Help nip it in the bud before it happens.
One other option is a local smoking cessation meeting that is usually held at a community church, health care center, or sometime even a school. Most of these groups meetings are held either at no cost or very low cost, so everyone can attend.
Community support group meetings generally only last for an hour or so, but they are great place to make personal contact with others striving to become non-smokers. And it is this personal contact with a support buddy that could be just the help you need in staying smoke-free forever.
So before your quit day, be sure to decide on which method or methods of support you are going to use AND then use them! Of all the tools in the quitting smoker's toolbox, support is the most effective of all, so be sure that this is where your quest begins.
Article Source: http://www.ezarticles.info
|
