Say no to suicide by cigarette

For habitual smokers, there is nothing quite as difficult as kicking the habit. Ironically, the majority of smokers do actually want to quit smoking, but find it difficult to do so as nicotine is a highly addictive substance. To successfully quit smoking, you’ll need to address both the habit and the addiction by changing your behaviour and dealing with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Here how to handle those cravings in those first few days.Deep breathingThis is perhaps the single most powerful and important technique. Every time you want a cigarette, inhale the deepest lung-full of air you can, and then, very slowly, exhale. Visualise all the tension leaving your body, slowly draining out of your fingers and toes, just flowing on out. This will be your greatest weapon during the strong cravings sure to assault you over the first few days.  No alcohol, sugar and coffeeDo your very best to stay away from alcohol, sugar and coffee the first week or longer, as these tend to stimulate the desire for a cigarette. Substitute!In one study, about 25 per cent of quitters found that an oral substitute was invaluable. One can use cinnamon sticks, chewing gum or artificial cigarettes as a substitute. You will mostly find that after the first week of being a non smoker, you wouldn’t even need these. Alternatively, you might think about trying nicotine substitutes like nicotine gum or the patch.ExerciseGo to a gym, sit in the steam, exercise. Change your normal routine — take time to walk or even jog around the block or in the local park. Destroy all your cigarettes On your quit day, hide all ashtrays and destroy all your cigarettes, preferably with water, so no part of them is smokeable. Taking in fluids The first few days, drink lots of water and fluids to help flush out the nicotine and other poisons from your body.