Snuff Your Smoking Habit

In August, the Massachusetts Department of Health reported that the level of nicotine in cigarettes had increased 10 percent, making it easier for people to get hooked and harder for them to quit. We asked MSN Health & Fitness readers what they thought of this new finding, and we received many tips for how to successfully quit the habit. Here is a sampling of their responses. (Some posts may have been edited.)

Be Active

Workout! I quit last year and started to workout. As a result I lost 50 pounds and it has been over a year since my last cigarette. Seriously, though, while it may be hard to quit and start working out, it is highly recommended. It gives your body a natural high as opposed to what a cigarette gives you. Plus it gives you motivation for why you shouldn't smoke. When you are winded during a workout think of that the next time you want to light up.
—Posted by bankof1 on Aug. 30, 2006

A few years ago while I was a senior at university I took a yoga class and inadvertently quit smoking. It wasn't hard, it may just be my psyche but I really just stopped one day and didn't buy another pack, that was six years ago.
—Posted by Astrid M on Aug. 30, 2006

I smoked for over 15 years and after many attempts I was able to finally do it a year ago. I began to exercise and eat better. After getting past the physical withdraws (72 hours) it becomes a mental challenge. Positive reinforcement from yourself and those who support your decision will help.
—Posted by nippedthebud on Sept. 7, 2006

Just Do It

The easiest way is to quit is to quit cold turkey. When you have a desire to smoke go jog somewhere, take a walk, chew sunflower seeds or suck a lollipop. … For the first week at least change your surroundings by staying away from people in your group who smoke. Make your husband or wife smoke in the other room or outside. No parties or heavy drinking for your resolves will crumble after a few Margaritas. … The main thing about quitting smoking and the most important thing is you have got to have the desire to quit. And I mean a desire greater than the want for one of those cancer sticks.
—Posted by Phast Phred on Aug. 30, 2006

I recently quit smoking. It wasn't easy. I smoked for five years. Keeping a list handy of reasons to quit was helpful for me. I made copies and kept one in my purse, one on my computer monitor at work, one on the fridge, and one on the back door (the smoking grounds).
—Posted by ChristieMD on Aug. 30, 2006

I practiced Lamaze style breathing until the craving passed. I even timed how closely the cravings were spaced, paying close attention to where a craving started until the time it passed, and where the next craving started. Each time I did this and was successful in not reacting to the craving it would pass. I started to feel like I could win the battle and it actually became a game. I haven't smoked once in over five years now.
—Posted by Pam in Oklahoma on Aug. 30, 2006

The best way I found to quit was cut back a couple each day. I did it till one morning I had my first cig, and it made me dizzy. And then I knew I had enough nicotine out of my system to go for it. It worked. I am one-year free from them. Sorry I ever had the first one. I smoked for 50 years. If I can do it anyone can.
—Posted by sealover65 on Sept. 22, 2006

I recently quit smoking after 35 years of doing so. Even though I knew the health factors, the economic side of it was what did the trick for me. I figured it to be about $1,500 per year.
—Posted by Arnie24 on Sept. 23, 2006