Effective Tips to Quit Smoking

Select a date to quit and act on your words. The date should be within the next two weeks.

Take plenty of water. Drink at least 6-8 glasses each day. This helps to get rid of the nicotine from your body.

Opt for a high fibre diet. Examples of high fibre food are vegetables and fruits. A high fibre diet helps to calm your nerves as you get rid of the nicotine in your body.

Postpone lighting up a cigarette. Identify those times when you are most likely to smoke and think of ways to resist, eg. if you usually smoke after a meal, plan to go for a stroll with a peppermint sweet in your mouth instead.

Substitute cigarettes with sweets, sour plums, etc. This helps to overcome the feeling of missing something in your mouth.

Manage your stress level. Practice deep breathing exercises or any other activities you find relaxing. When you are relaxed, you can cope with the craving better.

Overcome the urge to smoke by planning ahead. The craving for a cigarette will go if ignored for a few minutes. Keep yourself busy during these few minutes.

Keep your mind off cigarettes by doing other activities. Healthy activities help you to forget about smoking.

Identify reasons for quitting smoking — and remember them to keep you motivated.

Never keep cigarettes and a lighter. Throw your lighter and cigarettes away on your quit day. This is to reduce temptation.

Get support from family and friends. Their encouragement and support will help you succeed.