We all know smoking1 is not good for our health. People start smoking due to various reasons. No one plans on getting addicted, but they do. Smoking gives one a temporary high and helps one cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom. It becomes a part of one’s daily routine- a habit.
People become habituated to smoking while having coffee in the morning, taking a break from work, or meeting a particular friend. If one decides to quit, they have to face the withdrawal symptoms which force them to smoke another cigarette. Does that mean that it is impossible to quit?
It’s not. One just needs to stay put at defeating their addiction, and they will succeed. The urge to smoke may be intense, but it is temporary. Once it passes, the addict is one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tips on How to Quit Smoking
Here’s a list of ways one can fight the urge to smoke one more cigarette
1. Medication
A doctor can prescribe medicine to help. One can also try the Nicotine Replacement Therapy2. Nicotine gums, patches, and lozenges are available in almost all pharmacies and grocery shops.
2. Keep Your Mouth and Hands Busy
Chew gum or low-calorie snacks. Drink a lot of water; it helps with dry throat. Brushing teeth frequently help one do away with the urge. Use your hands to work and keep yourself distracted. Squeeze balls if necessary.
3. Avoid Triggers
Avoid meeting that friend who won’t stop smoking in front of you. Get rid of lighters, old cigarette boxes. Wash your clothes to get rid of the smell. Wash your car. Avoid going to places where you used to smoke.
4. Physical Activity
One can go for a walk, run around, jog, do yoga. Working out rewards you by making them feel good. This can get rid of the urge to feel good by smoking.
5. Relaxation Techniques
Smoking makes people feel relaxed when they are stressed or anxious. Trying to resist smoking can result in more stress. Breathing exercises, yoga, massage, visualization, etc can help relieve stress.
6. Ask Your Family and Friends to Help
Quitting is hard; it’s harder if one is doing it alone. Let the family and friends help. If possible, one can get a friend to quit smoking with them.
7. Remind Yourself Why You Quit
Remind yourself of the health benefits, financial benefits, and enhanced self-esteem whenever you feel like giving up.
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- Yanbaeva, Dilyara G., et al. “Systemic effects of smoking.” Chest 131.5 (2007): 1557-1566. ↩︎
- Molyneux, Andrew. “Nicotine replacement therapy.” Bmj 328.7437 (2004): 454-456. ↩︎
Last Updated on by Sathi