Trouble breathing, a new baby in the near future perhaps, or simply that you have decided to not end up like so many other poor souls who have died a preventable death by smoking. Regardless the reason you must quit smoking for good, no more excuses. Here are a few helpful tips to help you quit smoking for good and stay that way.

Be prepared

If you have been smoking for any length of time you will recognize the onset of withdrawals. They may come in many forms, difficulty with driving, operating equipment or even making life decisions. Be prepared by being at home or in a safe haven where you can simply crawl in bed or hide. To quit smoking for good one must successfully navigate this trying time.

Change your routine

Hanging out with smokers, smelling, sniffing or even watching others smoke is no way to quit. In fact it is very much like being on a diet and watching your kids eat a bag of Halloween candy when you are starting a new diet. Additionally simply going to places where you would normally light up or being with people you would normally light up with can be equally as hard. Your life is at stake here, why endure any more agony at this point. So if you must drop a few friends or not visit your favorite watering hole for a while it's a small price to pay if you truly want to quit smoking for good.

Busy busy busy

Distractions are a wonderful tool to help you quit smoking for good. Hobbies for example that involve busy hands and or a busy body are strongly recommended. Crafts, gardening, painting or more vigorous activities like hiking, golf, remodeling a room in your home, just something to keep you busy. By keeping busy you also keep your mind off of the cravings for nicotine. These cravings will eventually subside if you are distracted from them enough.

Don't " flick the bic "

Quit smoking for good, it's just that easy and just that hard. You stop smoking by simply not smoking anymore. Keep reminding yourself that smoking is killing you. You are saving your own life. This is comparable in many ways to a surgical procedure, The decision is made, the surgery scheduled and performed then one must recover. During recovery you may feel pain, discomfort etc... but you know that eventually you will heal and have a happier healthier life in most cases. There is also a period of aftercare with most surgeries, quitting smoking is no different. There are many support groups and even lifestyle groups designed to promote and maintain a smoke free lifestyle.