Most smokers find it very challenging to stop since tobacco is a highly addictive habit. The complexity of the addiction is what makes it so challenging to stop smoking. In addition to the physical need for nicotine, there is a significant psychological dependence due to the legality and widespread social acceptance of cigarettes.

How mentally prepared you are is one of the biggest predictors of whether your attempt to stop smoking will be successful. To successfully quit, you must have a sincere desire to do so. If you attempt to quit without having this attitude, it is unlikely to be successful. Think about the health hazards associated with smoking and the many advantages of giving it up to encourage yourself to the point where you want to stop.

Although the health concerns of smoking are well recognized, it is a good idea to review them if you are trying to stop them. Smoking significantly raises your risk for heart disease and lung cancer. You will have lung problems if you smoke in addition to an elevated risk of premature death. You should also keep in mind that smoking exposes others to risks due to secondhand smoke. The long-term effects of secondhand smoke on the health of your loved ones are well documented, especially over the long term.

You probably know about these factors if you smoke, and having that knowledge can be depressing. There is still hope, though, and you should consider the immediate advantages of stopping if you want to motivate yourself to stop. You’ll notice an improvement in your sense of smell almost immediately. Since smell has a significant impact on how food tastes, you will notice a significant improvement in your sense of taste and an increase in your enjoyment of food.

By regularly reminding yourself of the advantages of giving up smoking, you provide yourself with an essential mental motivator: consider not only the advantages to your health but also the advantages to those around you who are exposed to secondhand smoke. It is difficult to rationalize a smoking habit when you consider the money you would save. Thinking of quitting smoking as a win-win situation will give you a powerful psychological advantage in your quit attempt.