Occupying your hands with an alternate behavior, like rubbing a smooth stone, can help the process of quitting smoking.

Smoking is one of the most difficult habits to break. It's hard for the person trying to quit, but it's also tough on the people who care about that person and want to help him or her kick the habit.

Linda Clements is a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in healing and self-esteem issues. She gives us some insight on why quitting is so difficult, and offers some tips to help those who really want to quit:

• Keep sweets nearby: Most people don't realize that tobacco leaves are soaked in sugar. Keeping sweets on hand will satisfy that urge for sweetness and keep the mouth occupied.

• Find alternate behavior: Try doing something that replaces the physical aspect of smoking. For example, rubbing your fingers together or rubbing a stone in your hand will help replace the physical sensation of holding a cigarette.

• See yourself as a non-smoker: Smoking is both a physical and an emotional addiction. In order to quit, you'll need to redefine yourself as a non-smoker.