So you're trying to quit nicotine. Congratulations! You are about to go on a long and frustrating journey...

This won't be easy, but the reward is worth it. You feel so much better once you are living a healthier lifestyle. Your lungs can even heal to a certain point.

1. Breathing Through Straws

This is exactly what it sound like. Buy straws, cut them into a smaller size, breath through them instead of smoking cigarettes. It's a simple way to replace the feeling of holding a cigarette and even the act of smoking itself.

2. Mints and/or Gum

This is probably the most popular go to for those just starting to quit smoking. I have heard great things about it... but it wasn't right for me.

When I was an avid smoker, I really enjoyed always have something with me. As soon as I quit smoking I felt as if something was missing if I didn't have a pack of cigarettes on me. Mints was my replacement for that. I could always carry mints with me.

I'll be really honest though. You will go through a lot of mints and gum. A LOT OF THEM!

3. Drink more coffee instead.

This is the one thing that really helped me quit smoking. I tried so many things before I finally found the miracle that is coffee. Realistically, I only really replaced one addiction with another... but coffee isn't quite a bad and it is certainly much more socially acceptable. I can even drink coffee indoors!

4. Avoid friends who smoke.

This one can be sad, but it can also help you lose a toxic friend. If they really are an important person in your life they will understand why you need to take a break. Once you are more confident that you can successfully fight off nicotine you can ofcourse call them up again.

However, this is an important step that most people neglect when quitting smoking.

5. Meet people who are also quitting smoking!

If you're lucky, you can quit with someone. That really helps.

There are also groups and meeting for people to talk about their experiences with quitting smoking. It really helps to talk to someone going through the same thing.

...Or you read and write blogs about quitting smoking. That works too.

6. Try a book!

There are several books written on not only how, but also why you should really consider quitting smoking. There are even books that help teach you mind tricks in getting past addiction.

7. Treat your symptoms!

The symptoms are a nuisance, to say the least, and make people wonder if it's even worth it. It is worth it!

I was so angry all the time when I was quitting and looking back... I should probably feel bad about it. But I don't. I don't feel bad about it because it was a mandatory step to quitting smoking.

Remember that these symptoms are only temporary, you can and will get past them. Things will be a lot better when you are feeling healthy.

Some common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are:

Irritability

Anxiety

Difficulty concentrating

Increased appetite

Headaches

Insomnia

Tremors

Increased coughing

Fatigue

Depression

How to Get Past the Symptoms!

Distract yourself.

Remind yourself why you quit.

Get out of a tempting situation.

Reward yourself.

8. Self Love

Instead of turning to cigarettes whenever you feel stressed or upset. Try self love instead. Self love is really any activity that involves taking care of yourself. It can be as simple as taking a hot bath or as big as getting a gym membership. Eating a vegetable is self-love too!

9. Running

I'm not kidding. Try running when you are just starting to quit and then try running again when you are have successfully cut down. You will be amazed by the difference in much more stamina have. You might not even taste blood in your mouth the second time.

10. Persistence and Determination

If one thing doesn't work out, try something else.

If you have a relapse, try again.

Don't give up.

You've cut down on how many cigarettes you smoke per day... but then you find yourself stuck on three cigarettes a day.

Have some patience, but don't give up.

Quitting smoking isn't something that will happen overnight, it could easily take months or even years... but the sooner you realize it's a problem in your life, the better off you will be.

Good Luck!

If I did it, you can do it! Just don't give up!

Thank you!

Thank you for reading my list! I hope it helps! If you want to read more articles from me, or even read a little bit about me, just scroll down a bit for some bonus content! If you want to send me a message, my contact info is just below too! Don't be shy!

There is always more to read!

That essay can wait a bit later, read one or two more articles first ....

About the Author

Awkward Question ...

I started blogging about a year ago, and I promise you that my work has improved significantly since then. I’ve been taking online classes about writing and I am doing my best stay away from clickbait tactics. It would be really awesome if you join the adventure and maybe even help me think of what to write about next. If you would like to submit some feedback or ideas, you can always tweet me on twitter.

Er... ummm.... this is awkward. So it turns out writing doesn't bring in the cash and I'm a struggling student right now. There is a donate option at the bottom of this page and every dollar counts. No pressure... just thought I would mention. Thank you either way!