Millions have QUIT well before smoking cessation aids became popular. This is probably the more traditional route to take. It requires strong willpower, very much depending on the level of your addiction and your desire to give up smoking.
The first thing that one must do is finish the rest of that pack you have in your pocket. The approach I would take for this is to make sure you smoke the last cigarette in your last packet before you go to bed.
The reasoning behind this is very simple. Its all about timing. Many times before I had promised myself to quit but always had a few cigarettes left in my last packet. I never discarded them just held onto them as my crutch. They were a constant reminder to me of what I really was. I was someone unwilling to let go of this vile habit, it had consumed me. When you smoke the last cigarette in the packet at least you have to go somewhere to get more, its an obstacle that lends itself to your full recovery as an ex Smoker. You will need many of these to be truly successful.
Set the Date
This is of utmost importance, it gives you a chance to get focused and make any preparation you may need to give yourself the best of chances. Once the date is set, stick to it, don't procrastinate!
Vulnerable Times
Draw up a simple chart listing the times that you would normally smoke. List the situations that make you feel stressed and cause you to light up. When you have the list completed, reflect on what you have written. Choose alternatives that place you in less stress positions. Dont go to work early, change your route if at all possible. If you are stressed, take time out to breathe deep slow breaths. Smoking actually ads to stress even though you may feel relieved. It raises the blood pressure and speeds up metabolism artificially.
Exercise and Nutrition
Sounds a bit of a cliche, but its true. Walk more often, cycle to work, jog or do whatever you feel will help clear the head and be of benefit to you. Drink plenty of water. This is something I have always done during a Quit. Anytime I felt the urge to light up a cigarette I would drink a glass of cold water and it worked for me. Eat plenty of fruit and veg, remember you need to clear your body of all those nasty toxins and this will really help.
Social Life
This is an important one. For me I avoided going out to pubs, clubs etc for a few weeks. I needed to give my body a chance and stay well clear of temptation. It is only for a short while, just long enough to build confidence and re train the mindset. When the time comes and you go out with your friends and stay away from the cigarettes, you will feel on top of the world. The dreaded Alcohol is one of the main reasons people fail in their quit attempt, so stay away from it for as long as you can.
These are only guidelines to Quit Smoking the Cold Turkey Way, everyone is different. I am not from a medical background, just speaking from experience. Give it a go and let me know how you get on with your Quit.
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