How to Permanently Stop Smoking, Even if You've Tried Everything!

Whether you agree with me or not smoking is an unhealthy habit. I was addicted to it and it really affects my health. I easily huff and puff even if I am not yet tired. I observed it even impaired my smelling sense and there are times that I can’t taste the food that I was eating. I am not sure for other people if they experience this.

Anyway, I started smoking when I was 11 years old until I was 25 years old. That was 11 years of smoking. I consume 2–6 sticks a day but sometimes there are days that I don’t smoke especially if I’m sick. It has become connected to my day-to-day activities — like going to other places, hanging out with friends, going to school, every after meals, while pooping, while going to the farm, or taking a break to relax, etc. Smoking became a part of my daily life. And one day I was reflecting about doing a change to my life and the first idea that came to my mind was to quit smoking in some way I could help to stop air pollution so that future generations (my/your kids and grandchildren) will be able to breathe clean air. This reflection became my long-term commitment to myself, future generations, and mother earth.

The air that we breathe today is full of toxic and hazardous pollutants. Pollution in the environment could leave mother Earth sapped of its beauty and biodiversity. —@conzurge

Quelling my urge to smoke is not easy for me. It took me three (3) attempts in before successfully quitting in 2015. How much more with other people?

Quitting smoking is hard. As many as 75%-80% of smokers say they'd like to quit. But it takes the average smoker five (5) to ten (10) attempts before successfully quitting. —WebMD

Since I am serious about quitting smoking. I want to share with you these questions I asked myself when I was reflecting to make a change to my life. Do I want to save money for myself and for my future family? Do I want to be healthier? Who controls my life–me or this cigarette? Do I want to breathe easier? Do I want to be a good example for myself, for my wife, and future kids? Do I want to smell like cigarette smoke? Do I want to smell and taste better? Why I am sharing with you these because it is very important to ask yourself questions to motivate yourself why you really need to quit.

There are many ways on how to quit smoking you can find on the internet but what I’ll be sharing with you are the ways that are effective for me in quelling my urge to smoke:

1. I prayed to God. I told  Him I am suffering from cigarette addiction and I seriously want to be freed from this addiction.
2. I keep my mind busy by reading articles on the internet or playing games on my phone.
3. Aside from eating apples, eating carrots also helped me in quitting. Until today I eat carrots sometimes because of its benefits.
   

   If cigarettes are cancer sticks, carrots are anticancer sticks. —Kick the habit with nature's help. (Natural Health)

4. I make sure I have candies or chewing gums in my pocket or backpack or sling bag. So that when the urge attacks I have something to suck or chew and imagine like I am smoking.
5. To help the craving pass I drink 2 cups of water or a cup of coffee. 
6. I avoided hanging out with friends who smoke. Everything that triggers me to smoke I avoided.

I am proud to say that I did not undergo smoking cessation counseling or medications. I was successful in quitting because of self-leadership and self-determination. If you have a strong self-leadership and self-determination I believe there's no way cigarettes will control your life!

For the withdrawal symptoms, I only experienced Cigarette cravings and my appetite increased.

Did you stop smoking? Let me know your story in the comments section below.

All information posted is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information on this post, you do so at your own risk. Please read my disclaimers here.