Quitting smoking is a big commitment, and the process that you have to go through can be gruelling. It’s all about willpower when trying to break the habit and resisting the urge to light another smoke. If you’re serious about giving up cigarettes for good, below are a few tips that can help.
1. Learn to relax and let loose
Stress is one of the reasons why we reach for a cigarette after a hard day’s work or when doing an exhausting chore. So instead of smoking, why not try relaxing instead? Deep breathing exercises can help by releasing muscle tension and inhibiting nicotine craving. You can also try doing progressive muscle relaxing by releasing tension from specific muscle groups after a few deep and controlled breaths.
2. Get moving
Being idle is the number one enemy when trying to quit smoking. When you feel bored, that’s when the urge kicks in because you need to do something with your hands to keep you preoccupied. It gets worse when you feel restless or agitated because that’s when the craving is harder to resist. Fight it off by finding something to distract yourself with. You can start off with a computer or phone game, which will help you focus on another task instead of the desire to light a cigarette.
3. Try nicotine replacement products
When mind over matter doesn’t work, and the craving is just too intense, you can always turn to nicotine replacement products to help you. They come in gums and patches, so you can efficiently manage your cravings during the early part of quitting. They’re cheaper than a pack of cigarettes and effective when it comes to helping you achieve your goal. Another alternative is e-cigarettes, which give you that same sensation of smoking, minus the harmful chemicals. You can buy vapor starter kits for a cheap price in stores, or online, so quitting smoking should be within your reach.
4. Improve your diet
You can help avoid giving in to your cravings by changing the habits you’ve become accustomed to. Most smokers start their day by doing the same routine every morning, which mostly consists of drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette. Deciding to quit smoking will not only improve the health of your lungs, but it’s also a good start to following a healthy diet. It’s about time that you jumpstart your day with a healthy breakfast like muesli, yoghurt, or toast.
5. Talk to a friend or a support group
When the urge becomes too much to handle, you can always distract yourself by seeking the company of your friends or by joining a support group. This is an effective way of letting your mind wander elsewhere when a trigger strikes. Plus, it’s a good way to catch up with friends too and reconnect with people you’ve lost touch with.
Quitting smoking is all about making that big leap and committing yourself to live a healthier lifestyle. Once you’ve made that decision, the next thing you need to deal with is the withdrawal symptoms and avoiding the triggers that could bring you back to the smoker’s path.
2018 ·
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