Every smoker knows that the habit is a bad one with terrible repercussions. Unfortunately, it is one of the hardest habits to break. If you’re trying to stop smoking, here are the most effective methods for smoking cessation.

• Consider nicotine replacers
  When you stop smoking, headaches and mood swings are a common side effect. Nicotine patches and gums can help ease this transition and improve the chances of successfully quitting cigarettes.
• Get a support system
  Even if you have tried earlier and failed, do tell your friends and family when you are trying to quit smoking. They can keep you motivated and help get over mood swings. You could even consider joining a support group.
• Avoid triggers
  Alcohol is one of the most common smoking triggers. Avoiding evening drinks and bars makes the process of quitting smoking easier. Similarly, if you crave a cigarette with your morning coffee, consider switching to tea instead.
• Get rid of tobacco smells
  One of the most effective methods for smoking cessation is to avoid places that smell of nicotine. Within your own home, clean the carpets, curtains, linen and everything else that smells of nicotine. Use scented air fresheners to make your home smell better.
• Get rid of temptation
  Making it harder to light up is an effective method for smoking cessation. Remove all temptations including full and empty cigarette packs, lighters and ashtrays. The urge to have a smoke comes on suddenly but should pass in 5-10 minutes.
• Go for a walk
  Staying active can help fight nicotine cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. Simple activities such as going for a walk, gardening, yoga or a light workout are ideal. This will also help burn calories and limit the weight you may gain as a result of not smoking.
• Reward yourself
  To stay motivated, design a reward system. When you stop smoking, you will start saving. Use this money to buy yourself something special after you cross each milestone.
• Don’t have just one
  Do not give in to temptation and have “just one” smoke. Having a single cigarette can soothe tobacco cravings but this will make the process harder. You are simply fooling yourself into believing that you can stop at one.
• Relax
  When it comes to finding effective methods for smoking cessation, it is important to recognize why you started smoking in the first place. Stress is a common trigger. To fight this trigger, learn and practice relaxation techniques. Yoga, visualization, and breathing exercises can be very helpful.
• Remind yourself of why you need to stop
  It may be tempting to give in and not deal with all the cravings and side effects of not smoking. The only way to keep yourself from doing this is to continually remind yourself of why you wanted to stop smoking in the first place.

Smoking is one of the hardest habits to break but with these effective methods for smoking cessation, it should be a little easier. If you are finding it difficult to quit this habit, consider seeking help.