How to Quit Smoking Cold Turkey

Smoking is something that you can take to easily, but quitting smoking can be really tough. You might enjoy it in spite of being aware of its ill effects, but when they start to manifest, there is no other way than to quit smoking. It might already be too late by the time you realize that you need to quit and the effects of smoking might have taken a toll on your health and life. But, having decided that you want to stop, there are a number of ways in which you can do so. One such method is quitting smoking cold turkey.

The method to quit smoking cold turkey is a popular method that has been tried by many ex-smokers, and has a high success rate. Initially you may find it very difficult, but it will be the same with any method that you use to stop smoking. After all, it is not that easy to get out of addictive habits, is it?

Quitting smoking cold turkey might work for some and might not work for others depending on how well you take to it. You will also experience a lot of nicotine withdrawal symptoms which might play devil's role in getting you back to smoking. It entirely depends on your choice of surviving the withdrawal symptoms or going back to your old habit of smoking.

This method involves deciding to quit smoking with prior planning. It can also be a decision that is taken in the spur of a moment. It does not involve the use of smoking cessation aids, medication or nicotine replacement methods. When you decide to quit smoking, the most difficult thing for you to do would be to throw out that last packet of cigarettes. Once you have accomplished this, not looking back to smoking becomes a lot easier. Your determination and resolve will decide whether or not you will quit smoking.

Step# 1: Think. Decide. Resolve. The three most important things to do when you quit cold turkey is to think why you want to quit smoking, to take a firm decision for quitting and to resolve to quit cold turkey. Once you have made up your mind thoroughly, quitting will be a lot easier.

Step# 2: Plan out a two week schedule and chose a day within those two weeks, one that's not going to be very busy or stressful. It could be a time when you are on vacation, a party, or a holiday. This will be your 'Quit' week.

Step# 3: Inform your family, friends, and colleagues that you have decided to quit smoking and also tell them about your 'Quit' date and week. You do not want people pressurizing you to smoke with them.

Step# 4: Gather your friends and family on the 'quit' day, collect all your cigarettes, cigars, lighters, and ashtrays and dump them in the trash in their presence, resolving never to smoke again. Eat a healthy meal and drink lots of fluids, juices, and water throughout the day. Ask a few of your 'non- smoker' friends to stay back with you for the day.

Step# 5: Indulge yourself in stuff that you like to do and try not thinking about smoking. Go for a swim, a long drive, watch a movie, or cook up a meal.

Step# 6: The days after the 'quit' day should be spent in exercising and meditating if possible, eating well, and relaxing. This will help you a great deal in fighting the withdrawal symptoms. Constantly remind yourself about your resolve and the reason why you decided to quit smoking. 

Step# 7: If the nicotine withdrawal symptoms are severe, consult your doctor and seek medical assistance, but do not get back to smoking. You may have to make several attempts before you finally succeed, but you should strengthen your resolve each time. You can also come up with a few of your own ways or can even ask for help from friends of yours who have quit smoking.

• Drink plenty of water, juices and fluids to flush the impurities out of your system and to keep yourself occupied.
• Understand that the withdrawal symptoms will subside in a while and that you are strong enough to fight it.
• Chew a sugarless gum or hard candy to keep your mouth busy.

• Practice yoga exercises, meditation, and deep breathing techniques to fight withdrawal symptoms and to keep yourself calm and relaxed.
• Gather as much support as possible from friends and family.
• Do not try smoking herbal or smokeless cigarettes as an alternative to regular ones. It will only end up being a lost cause.

Quitting smoking cold turkey can have a lot of positive effects on your body as well as your life. You will be able to lead a longer, healthier, rejuvenated, and most importantly, smoke-free life.