Smoking is cool, that's what teenagers think, and I used to agree with it when I was younger. I started smoking because of my curiosity, and also the influence of my friends. It started out of curiosity, and turned into a habit, a bad habit really. During my early days of smoking, a few puff was enough for me to enjoy the effect of nicotine. But it became addiction and I needed more and more cigarettes, and that was where I started spending a lot on cigarettes. I could finish a pack of cigarette a day. I always had the thought of quitting, but it was just hard. It's funny to think that some men and women just cannot escape and run away from a pack of cigarette. Actually every smoker can learn how to not smoke, but the power of will and the determination to quit are the factors that make the difference. My dad was once a smoker but thankfully he too has thrown away that habit.

Just imagine what you could have done with all the money that you've spent on cigarettes for years. You could probably buy nice new shirts, pairs of adidas or Nike shoes, going to cinemas , or just spend it on food. Now that I've manage to learn how to not smoke I always find that I have extra cash from my income, and the extra cash is actually the money that I've saved since I'm no longer smoking. It's hard to earn money, and I'm still wondering why I've wasted the hard earned cash on cigarettes.

There's no denying that there are some benefits you can get from smoking, but when you look at the negatives you'll find that the positives of smoking are not that positive after all. Yes, smoking is relaxing, but just think of this. Is it relaxing when later in your life you suffer from cancer, emphysema (breakdown of lung tissue), organ damage, and heart disease. These diseases limit your ability to be normally active - and can be fatal. Each time you light up, that single cigarette takes about 5 to 20 minutes off your precious life. What a waste, don't you think?
You may as well think that smoking helps you to overcome depression and combats boredom, but have you thought of your loved ones that have to take care of you when you are suffering from the illnesses I've mentioned above? It's not fun to have to manage the life a sick person.It's just not fair for your loved ones, to take care of a "sick" you, and that sickness is inflicted by you yourself.
I know the pleasure of smoking. It's enjoyable. But is it enjoyable when you have to spend a lot of time and more money for your treatment? That's what really made me determined to quit two years ago. If I got sick, I'd have to splash out my cash for treatment and medication. It's not easy to not smoke, but just think of what I've told you.

It's never too late to quit smoking and there are many benefits you can no matter what age you are when you give up. Here are some tips that I found very useful in helping me to kick the bad and money wasting habit.

Tip 1
Quitting is different for everyone, so find an approach that will work for you. This may be either the cold turkey approach (stopping suddenly and totally) or a more gradual reduction in the number of cigarettes you smoke each day. Set a date to quit - and stick to it. Make it sooner rather than later. If you are quitting by yourself, it is recommended that you stop smoking completely on your quit date.

Tip 2
Get as much support as you can from family, friends and work colleagues. Let them know you are planning to quit, and ask smokers not to smoke around you or offer you cigarettes. Quitting with a friend can also be an excellent idea - you can share your feelings and encourage each other.

Tip 3
Throw out all cigarettes, ashtrays and lighters and anything else that might remind you of smoking. Wash your clothes and clean your car to remove the smell of smoke.

Tip 4
Nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches or chewing gum, could be a good idea for those who smoke heavily or who feel they may need the extra help. There are also medicines available on prescription, such as varenicline (brand name Champix) and bupropion (brand name Zyban) that can help you quit by reducing withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Talk to your doctor about what would be best for you.

Tip 5
Plan ahead for situations in which you are likely to be tempted to smoke, such as parties, drinking or going out for coffee. Try to avoid these situations in the early stages of your quitting program, or try sitting in the non-smoking section at restaurants, drinking your coffee standing up or with the other hand, or keeping something in your hand when you're talking on the phone.

Tip 6
Write down all the reasons that made you decide to quit smoking, and carry them with you in case you need reminding!

Tip 7
Keep the following 4 Ds in mind when you have a craving.

* Delay: remember that the worst cravings last for only a few minutes and will become even less frequent the longer you have quit.
* Deep breathe: this should help you relax and focus your mind on something else.
* Drink water: it is a good idea to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the nicotine and other toxins out of your system.
* Do something else: you could go for a walk, to the movies or visit a supportive friend. Try eating an apple or cleaning your teeth when you would normally have a cigarette. You could hold something else, such as a pen or beads, to replace the need to hold a cigarette, or chew some gum or eat or drink a healthy snack to have something other than a cigarette in your mouth.

Tip 8
If you drink a lot of coffee, you may also want to cut down on your coffee intake as you will retain more caffeine when there is no nicotine in your system. Feeling jittery will not help your plan to quit. It may also be best to avoid alcohol as many people find it hard to resist smoking when they drink.

Tip 9
If you find you are losing motivation to quit, remind yourself of the many medical and financial benefits of quitting! For example, did you know that 12 months after quitting, your risk of heart disease is reduced to nearly half that of a smoker's?

I hope I've shared enough with you. Whatever it is, try to quit, and don't stop trying. If you think that the tips I've given you are not useful, why don't you try this?