Habitual smokers find it real hard to quit smoking. Most people, who have become highly dependent on cigarettes, suffer withdrawal symptoms when they quit. Many do not wish to give up the habit because they do not want to go through the anguish of undergoing various physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Here are a few common problems faced by those who try to give up the habit and ways to remedy them. 

Inability to control thinking about cigarettes

This is a common problem faced by everyone who tries to quit smoking. If you wish to quit smoking, the only way to do it is to stop thinking about smoking. Focus on its negative effects. Remind yourself constantly that cigarette is no more an option for you.

Inability to take break during work 

A little break during the work can help you focus better. Many people who are addicted to smoking use these short breaks to light a cigarette. But when you quit the habit, you may feel that you have nothing to do even if you take a break. Not taking a break when needed can adversely affect your productivity.

First of all, you need to realize that smoking is not the only thing that you can do when you take a break. You can use the break time to chat with a co-worker, eat a healthy snack, or read something. You will gradually get used to this new habit.

Absence of a proper transition

Many people who puff away plan their day or work, using smoking as a marker. This helps them to keep some kind of rhythm. If you have decided to quit smoking, you can start reading a chapter from a book or going for a short walk as a marker. This will help you have a proper rhythm and transition. 

Absence of sufficient motivation

Many who give up smoking get back to their old habit after a few days. This is because they lack proper motivation. Many people fail to see why they should give up smoking, which they consider a soothing habit.

You need to remember that you are not actually giving up anything great. At the same time you are gaining a lot, including better health, fresh breath, money, and greater control over yourself. It is a good idea to recite the reasons to quit the habit.

Do not be discouraged even if you have certain withdrawal symptoms like sever cough. You should be aware that you have this cough only because the tobacco toxins accumulated in your lungs is being swept away. Remind yourself that coughing after quitting the habit is indeed a good thing as it indicates that you are gaining back your health.

Lack of support from friends or family

Not all your friends may appreciate your efforts to give up smoking. This is not because they do not care for your health, but because you become a bit depressed, irritable, and moody than usual when you are trying to give up the habit. Some of your friends may even encourage you to get back to smoking so that you will be your usual, normal self. It is hard to resist such temptations. But you need to tell them affirmatively that you do not plan to start smoking again and your irritability and depression is part of your efforts to give up your harmful habit.

Sometimes your friends may not want you to succeed in your efforts because they themselves have been unsuccessful in doing so. If you feel that your friends are discouraging your efforts because they themselves failed in giving up, encourage them to quit the habit, holding fast to your decision.

It is possible that your friends test your motivation and determination by offering cigarettes. Ask them to respect your decision and seek their support. People who respect you will sure take your request seriously. If you find it real hard to stick to your decision when you are with your friends who constantly puff away, spend time with another group of friends who do not smoke, and who appreciate your attempts to give up the habit.

Sometimes even your family members too may encourage you to get back to smoking because you seem to be a bit too grouchy after giving up the habit. Convince your family members that the mood swings and irritability are part of withdrawal symptoms and would not last long. It is a good idea to inform your family members your decision to quit the habit and the possible repercussions of this decision. In this way you sure can get the support of your family members.

Temptation to smoke while talking over the phone

Many people tend to grab a cigarette when they are on the phone. Break this habit by adopting a new, healthier one. You can keep yourself occupied by doodling with a pen or pencil, while talking on the phone.

Occasional lapses 

Do not consider occasional lapses as indications of your inability to stick to your decision. If you are with a date who smokes, politely ask your date to refrain from doing so, at least for a few days. If possible avoid alcohol too because you will be more tempted to smoke when you are having a drink. You can avoid occasional lapses if you constantly remind yourself that smoking can damage your health.