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The 5 Keys to Quit Smoking

1 In order to succeed you must prepare yourself mentally and physically in advance. Set a firm date for quitting and make sure you clear the house of smoking paraphernalia such as ash trays, lighters and obviously the cigarettes themselves. Inform others in the house that you are giving up – if another member of your household smokes ask them to do so out of your vicinity for a while.

2. Change your habits. Smokers associate certain things such as drinking a cup of coffee with smoking. Try to change the types of drinks/times of day when you have a drink or break, in order to break the routine. Take the bus to work instead of the car – stick to places where you are not allowed to smoke.

3. Use a form of nicotine replacement medication – with so many products on the market you are sure to find one which suits you. There is a far higher success rate for people who Quit smoking using one of these aids, but check that they are suitable for you; pregnant and nursing women must ask their GP or local health practitioner first.

4. Distract yourself: Beat cravings by going for a walk, taking a bath or engaging in a new pastime, possibly something using the hands. Gradually the cravings will start to lessen, but in the first few weeks after giving up the temptation to give in will be strong so be prepared.

5. Don't be hard on yourself if you relapse. Most successful ex smokers have tried many times to give up before finally quitting. If you start smoking again simply set another date and try again. Next time try to avoid situations which commonly lead to too much temptation – alcohol is a major culprit for why people can't resist a cigarette, so giving this up while you quit might help.

Using the above techniques will give you a good chance of quitting smoking – remember if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.