Stop and Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

So, you want to quit cold turkey. I have heard it said many times that is the best way to do it. Instead of buying all the pills, patches, and other stop smoking methods, many say just make up your mind to stop and stick to it. No, it won't be easy, as a matter of fact it may be a week from hell, but it doesn't have to be. Pick a date you want to do it and just do it.

First thing to know is that you must have a sincere desire to stop smoking. You can not straddle the fence with this. If you are not ready to quit this will not work.

Pick a time period when when life will be less stressful, such as a vacation from school or work. The times you are most likely to smoke are during times of stress. Eliminating these possibilities will help you.

Avoid the places where you are prone to smoke, like the corner bar or places where alcohol is served. folks tend to smoke more when drinking. If you have friends who smoke, ask them to refrain when you are around. If you are a person who doesn't like to light up around people who do not smoke, spend more time with them if at all possible.

This is a great time to increase physical activity. Go for a walk when you feel the need to grab a cigarette, play frisbee with the dog, or give him a bath. If you have children, spend time with them playing their favorite games. You can't smoke around them to pollute the air they breathe, causing them to be sick.

Learn to eat healthy. The best healthy diet I have found is the Mediterranean diet. It is comprised of fresh green veggies and fruits, lean meats and seafood. Additionally, whole grain breads, cereals, nuts, and pasta. If you want to eat during cravings, eat celery sticks dipped in low fat ranch dressing.

Change your routine a little. Pick up a good book instead of watching TV. Maybe there is a project you have been putting off. There's no time like the present to get it going. You may even come up with other ideas to accomplish getting it done.

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Water is the best liquid to drink as it helps to flush your system of toxins and poisons that have accumulated in your body.

The biggest problem you will have, off course, is dealing with the cravings and mood swings. For the cravings, try chewing gum, lollipops, popsicles, or slushes. Anything that will give you that hand-to-mouth action that you normally get when smoking a cigarette. For mood swings, instead of kicking the dog, kick yourself instead in the rear end with a hard and swift backward swing of your leg, bending it at the knee. This is for picking up such a habit as smoking in the first place.

by Barb Hicks, RN