Top ten tips

for stopping smoking

1. Pound

down the water at least 2 quarts every day to help you deal with stress.

2. Practice

deep breathing a minute or two several times daily. Don't do this while

driving at first; you may get dizzy.

3. Get

up and move around several times daily, even if its just for a minute.

Stretching helps.

4. Every

day, pick 2 things that you donít usually do and set them as goals.

Write them down and check them off when completed. This helps rebuild

your sense of self trust.

5. Rather

than saying to yourself "Iím going to stop smoking,"

turn it into a positive statement: "I am determined to breathe freely."

6. Instead

of saying to yourself: "I am trying to stop smoking." Say "I

am choosing to be free." Talking about what you want to stop doing

can increase anxiety. And your brain understands when you say that you

are "trying" that trying is an ongoing state, that you are continuing

to fail.

7. Reduce

or cut out caffeine. Not only is there a psychological connection (that

morning coffee and cigarette) but caffeine also binds nicotine to your

body, which basically means cravings are tougher.

8. In

the first month of freedom from tobacco, keep alcohol consumption to a

drink per day or less.

9. During

that time, steer clear of parties where there is smoking.

10.

Remember that exercise burns off stress much better than hoisting a beer

while you watch TV.

Charles Tedesco

is founder of Smoking Release Associates in La Quinta, California. The

SRA has motivational tools including The Quitters' Quiz, available without

charge on its Web site: www.SmokingRelease.com .

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