Quitting smoking is definitely a very difficult feat to accomplish. But once the smoker stops smoking, he enjoys many benefits.

While quitting smoking the body experiences several unpleasant side effects. When nicotine supply is cut off a quitter experiences irritability, frustration, increased appetite, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, depression and decreased heart rate. Quit smoking cigarettes leads to a reduction in common illnesses such as colds or bronchitis. Smoking cessation leads to other short time benefits like increased circulation, decreased coughing, increased breathing capacity, better lung functioning and regular levels of carbon monoxide in the blood. The quitter also experiences better breath, whiter teeth, better smelling clothes and hair, yellowness of fingers and nails going away, normal sense of smell and better tasting food.

The quitter should realize that the body always requires a particular amount of nicotine in the body. When this level decreases in the body, withdrawal symptoms are seen. The lower the level of nicotine, the greater is the craving. Once the nicotine level in the body decreases to zero, the body stops craving. There are many ways to help oneself quit smoking. One must inform friends and family and enlist their support. One can also have accountability with another smoker trying to quit. The harmful effects of smoking should be noted and kept in mind. The motives for quitting should be clear in mind. Cigarettes and other tobacco products should be removed from the house. The quit date should be set. The situations that trigger cravings should be identified. A plan to control cravings must be made. One must also keep oneself busy all the time.