Staying Motivated
Quitting smoking is probably one of the hardest things you will ever have to do. It is easy to make the decision to quit; it is extremely difficult to stay motivated during the quitting process. Between the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, giving up smoking can feel like torture. Staying motivated through the quitting process is something that takes a little work. Keeping yourself on track will lead to a longer and healthier life, and isn’t this why you quit smoking in the first place?
First, keep a diary or log to track your progress as you quit smoking. Having a visible record of your accomplishments can be highly motivating. If you make it through one day without smoking, that is 24 smoke-free hours. Keep track of these hours so that you can see how they add up in just a short time. Logging your actions is a terrific way to keep the weight off once you have quit smoking, as well. Track what you eat and your mood at meal times. This will help you see that the cravings are beginning to lessen as you move forward in the quitting process.
Reward yourself for goals that you accomplish while quitting. If you spent $100 each month on cigarettes, imagine what you can do with that money once you have stopped smoking. Set a goal of saving that cigarette money for six months. After six months, you will have $600 to spend on yourself, and you will have earned that money. You can plan take a trip or buy some new clothes with the money you would have spent on a bad habit. Having an exciting reward for your efforts can truly help keep you motivated.
Do not keep your goals to yourself. Share the quitting process with your friends. Having support from people who care about you is a significant motivator. Leaning on your friends if you do not reach a goal can keep you from giving up altogether. It is much harder to quit smoking alone than it is to quit with a friend. If you have a friend who also wants to quit, work together to reach your goal. Sharing the experience allows you to motivate each other. Having a friend to talk to when things do not go well can put you back on the right path quickly.
Do something that you have always wanted to do. While you quit smoking, join a class or work on a new hobby. Learning to cook or sew or build furniture is an excellent way to distract yourself from the quitting process. Start walking or jogging for exercise, join a martial arts class or even take a course at your local community college. Any of these activities will help to keep you motivated because you will enjoy your time.you
