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by: RoyWhithouse
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It is inevitable that you will undergo intense cravings when trying to quit smoking. Because everyone's body responds differently to nicotine withdrawal, there is not one solution that works for everybody. Everyone has there own method; however, a few particular techniques have been proven to be effective for a large group.

Smoking cigarettes is habitual. Therefore, by definition, when you quit you still have the urge to partake in the habit. Your body tries to return to its normal behavior in the first two weeks while flushing out the chemical products of smoking. This is a biological working that occurs in many situations.

Homeostasis is the technical term. Your body is attempting to sustain equilibrium. When it experiences a drastic change, it tries to revert to normal. If you can acknowledge that this is a built in mechanism, you can use it to your advantage.

The anxiety and guilt that accompanies giving up cigarettes make the effort of quitting all the more difficult. People ask themselves if they can manage not smoking and keep their resolve. When you are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, the normal reaction is to revert back to smoking, since that is what has worked in the past. It's a vicious cycle that's hard to break.

As the physical changes take place over the first few weeks, the situation appears the hardest. In order to see ourselves through this difficult period, we must remind ourselves that these changes are out of our control and we must rely on sheer willpower to see us through.

Try to minimize all other stressors during this period of adjustment. Don't try to quit smoking if, for instance, you're beginning a new job. Don't take this on if you are facing a crisis, like a child having a serious medical procedure.

Give yourself plenty of healthy distractions.

Keep small pieces of fresh fruit with you at all times. When you feel the urge to reach for that cigarette, pop one instead. Sharp, tangy fruit is better than fruit that's simply sweet or, worse, bland. Choose your favorite, although pineapple or oranges seem to work best.

When you are craving a cigarette, try listening to music instead. Focusing on a song and keeping busy will take up that three or four minutes you would otherwise spend smoking. During this period, your favorite music can help sustain you. Be sure to choose something uplifting. Negative music should never be played while in a negative mood, as it only serves to reinforce those negative emotions.

Think of little ways to keep your hands busy. This may be as easy as squishing a tennis ball or even something more acrobatic. Eventually, you want to work your way up to exercises that involve the entire arm, shoulder and back. This provides duel benefits because it not only eliminates the need for a cigarette, but it also helps your circulatory system.

Engage in an activity which requires intense concentration and suits your personality and circumstances; such as trimming a beard, fixing your hair to perfection, drawing a sketch or solving a math problem. The activity should be short, but be sure to leave little room for stray thought - including thoughts about that cigarette that you so desperately want to smoke.

If you keep your focus, the cravings will diminish to a tolerable level. Over the next few months, at random, you'll experience a recurrence of these urges from time to time. When the need arises, return to the rituals that got you through the first few weeks. Remind yourself of the healthy advantages that come with not smoking. In no time, you will see that it outweighs the short-term advantages of smoking.

About the Author

Author Roy Whitehouse is a very successful and well known authority in both on and off line marketing, and business creation. A much sought after speaker in the areas of internet marketing, business development,and self-improvement.quit smoking Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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