If you are considering to stop smoking then, congratulations.
You will not regret it and your body and health will thank you for it.
Giving up the tobacco whether it be the cigarettes or cigars, is not an easy thing to do especially, if you are a long term smoker.
The addiction to nicotine is very strong and it can create a very strong hold on you.
This is a not a surprise when you consider that nicotine is considered to be more addictive than heroin.
Although the process of giving up will be hard for some people many people successfully do it.
However, it is important to point out that this is really the first hurdle to be become an ex-smoker.
Even when you have quit smoking the temptation for a nicotine fix will always be there.
These incidences can arise when people find themselves in stressful situations or when they are low in confidence.
During these times the temptation to light up a cigarette can be very appealing to the ex-smoker.
Therefore, it is important that you recognise what these triggers are and be prepared for them.
There are different ways that people cope when they find themselves in a vulnerable position.
Some people use what they call a mantra which can be very effective.
A mantra is a positive statement that you say to yourself when you become tempted to light up.
The statement acts as a way of nipping the temptation in the bud before you follow through on it.
The following are examples of mantras that you can use: "I am not smoker and do not need to smoke" "I choose not to smoke because my health is my priority" These are just examples.
You can create your own personal mantras that can be unique to you.
When you find yourself wanting to smoke then immediately begin repeating your mantra and find something else to do that will distract your attentions.
Distractions can also be another effective way to help you stay off the tobacco.
The best distractions involve healthy activities such as physical exercise or taking up a hobby that you are fanatical about.
When there are periods in your schedule that are empty and they could increase your chances of giving into temptations then, fill them up with positive things to do such as going to the gym, going for a walk or meeting friends.
The key to successfully staying off the tobacco is to become aware of what your smoking triggers are and being prepared for them.
In this way you will not be taken by surprised or ambushed when it happens.
The longer you can stay off smoking the tobacco the better the chances that you will become a non smoker for life.