Everybody knows smoking is injurious to health. Even then, lots of people are not ready to leave this habit. It’s because smoking is not simply a bad habit, it’s an addiction. And once this addiction is developed, it is very difficult to get rid of this enjoyable poison. Your body has adapted to this habit of smoking for so long already, surely quitting isn’t going to be that easy. But “nothing is impossible to a willing heart.” With this positive thought in mind, here I am sharing 8 best ways to successfully quit smoking.
GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Scientific studies have proved that exercise (even a five-minute walk or stretch) is one of the best ‘quit smoking’ tips. It cuts cravings and may help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals. An intensive exercise program releases dopamine that can replace the one you used to get from cigarettes. Be sure to pick an exercise that you enjoy and consider exercising with a person who encourages you to keep going. Try taking up healthy exercises like running, cycling, swimming etc.
TAKE DEEP BREATHS
Deep breathing is beneficial tool that will help you find your smoke-free way and relax you at the same time. Whenever you feel a craving, take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. It relieves stress when you are trying to quit smoking. The extra oxygen you inhale can help with your headaches and the feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness. Initially, it may be difficult but keep at it, it will soon become a part of you.
MEDITATE TO QUIT SMOKING
Smokers mistakenly believe that cigarettes relieve stress. Once they start meditating, they will realise it. The de-stressing effects of meditation can reduce cravings for a cigarette, helping those who don’t even want to quit. Meditation is a great way to handle some of the psychological aspects of nicotine withdrawal.
FIND REASONS TO QUIT SMOKING
Make a list of the reasons why you want to stop and refer to them when tempted to light up. Choose a reason that is strong enough to motivate you. It could be to protect your family from passive smoking. Or for a healthy lifestyle that is free from deadly diseases like cancer or stroke. Or to look more youthful etc. Consider how smoking affects every aspect of your life (health, appearance, lifestyle, loved ones and everything). Keep reminding yourself why you made the decision to give up.
One of my friend who was once a chain smoker said that he used to carry a picture of his baby daughter in his wallet. And whenever he felt an urge to smoke, he’d look at that.
NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT)
There are various medicines that you can purchase without a prescription. Using NRTs (transdermal patches, tablets, lozenges, chewing gums, inhalers and a nasal spray) can double your chances of success. And if you feel like holding one, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are also available. They are designed to look and feel like normal cigarettes. Researches have shown that NRTs increase the rate of quitting by 50 to 70%.
AVOID SMOKING TRIGGERS
Triggers make it tough for smokers to quit. For some, certain times of the day or certain places and for others even particular foods can spark a strong urge to smoke. Drinking tea or coffee, sitting down to a cocktail or glass of wine, driving in the car, talking on a phone are some of the examples. But sometimes being angry or even positive feelings of happiness can be triggers. Once you know your triggers, you can learn to avoid them. Beware of such situations and try to keep yourself engaged or distracted during that time.
STAY BUSY WITH NEW HOBBY
Take up a new hobby and use your newly-found interest to channel your thoughts into something. Go for a walk, call a friend, read a book, solve a puzzle or bake a cake etc. I mean, do anything of your interest to take your mind off smoking.
Planting a garden is a good activity to occupy your mind and body to help you deal with cravings. Engaging in exciting activities like cooking, painting, pottery etc. activates the same reward part of the brain that nicotine ignites.
ASK FOR HELP OR SUPPORT
Go ahead and ask for help from the people you trust. They could be your friends, family, co-workers, or significant others you’re close to. When you tell them that you are trying to quit, they can encourage you to keep going. Don’t hesitate, your true friends will be there, ready and willing to help.
You can talk to a counselor or go online for support. There are various “online stop-smoking programs.” You can read a quitter’s blog and post encouraging thoughts for someone else who might be battling to quit smoking. Learn from how others have handled their tobacco cravings.
Do you have any other ways or tips that have helped you deal with this addiction? Share them with us.