New Year's resolutions to quit smoking are often broken within a matter of months. If quitting smoking was your New Year's resolution, you can meet your goals where others fail! When you start to feel severe cravings, just use these simple methods to stay healthy and carcinogen-free:

Write down your reasons to quit smoking, and read them every night before you go to sleep. You might want a longer, healthier life to spend with your family, or increased lung capacity. It could be that you don't want to influence those around you or poison them with second-hand smoke. Perhaps you want to stop wasting time and money on harmful carcinogens. Whatever your reasons, every time you have craving, think of what you'll be giving up by smoking again.

Make sure your expectations are realistic. Quitting smoking is extremely difficult, and most people have to try more than once before succeeding. The good news is that withdrawal only lasts for two weeks. If you can get through that short period without nicotine, you will have overcome the worst part of quitting smoking. Most relapses occur within 3 months. Get through those without cigarettes, and your chance of remaining a non-smoker forever will skyrocket.

Avoid places and beverages that you associate with smoking. Caffeinated sodas and coffee are especially bad since most people smoke while drinking them. Also think of places where you like to smoke, and avoid them for the first 3 months. These spots could range from your front porch to bars and clubs. Some places can't be avoided, such as your driver's seat. If you used to smoke and commute, find something to distract yourself from the cravings, like a.m. radio or comedy.

Making certain lifestyle changes can definitely help you quit smoking. First of all, visiting places that don't allow smoking (e.g., libraries, museums) will make quitting easier. Also avoid situations where you're surrounded by smokers. Next, begin enjoying activities that smoking made difficult before, like hiking and cycling. You can even try rock climbing or run a 5-mile marathon. The point is that exercise will give you more motivation break your habit and quit smoking forever.

Tell friends and family that you're quitting smoking, and ask them to be supportive by not offering you cigarettes. Keep in mind that even that support system isn't enough for some people. You may need others to hold you accountable for your successes and failures. Online support groups have communities full of people who understand the struggles of quitting. With that motivation and empathy available to you, online support groups may be your key to quitting smoking forever.

In the moments you are standing on the edge, deciding to light up again, it’s helpful to have a professional counselor who is available 24/7 to help you get over the emotional hurtle. Phone therapy is an effective way to address your personal needs in achieving your goals on your time, in your space, and most importantly with the results that you can feel happy about for a long time.