Are you one of those who thinks of quitting smoking but not being able to do so?
Quitting smoking is not an easy task at all. This can be a long and hard process to stick to. But it surely is worth it! Before deciding to quit smoking, you at first have to make yourself mentally prepared for all the withdrawal phases as well.
Surveys have found that even though 80% of smokers would like to quit smoking, less than 5% are able to quit on their own due to the highly addictive properties of nicotine.
Let's have a look at a few suggested habits that will help you quit smoking.
First of all, find your reason for quitting. You must have a strong reason to quit it. It may be personal or any other powerful reason. It may be to protect your family from passive smoking. Or lower your chances of getting lung cancer, heart diseases or other physical complications. You need to choose a reason that is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light up.
People usually tend to smoke whenever they start developing their urge for smoking. You can always start by replacing your nicotine intake with different sorts of nicotine patches, gums, lozenges and what not.
But before choosing your replacement do discuss it with your doctor. Because, you don't know how that substance will react to your body.
Throw away your cigarettes, yes, all of your cigarettes. People can't stop smoking with cigarettes around to tempt them. So get rid of everything. Including your ashtrays, lighters and even that pack you stashed away for emergency.
The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal will pass, so be patient. Try not to give in and sneak a smoke because you'll just have to deal with the withdrawal longer. Try to keep yourself busy instead.
Try to stay away from the drugs that provoke you towards smoking. In fact, try to be friends with people who are also trying to quit smoking so that you can push and motivate each other in this journey.
Try to keep yourself stress free. Stress can be one of the main reasons that can drag you towards smoking. You can try yoga or meditation for relieving your stress.
Cut down intake of alcohol if you do.
Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help you reduce the impact of smoking a bit.
Remember! It’s never too late to quit! As soon as you quit, your health can immediately starts to improve. After only 20 minutes without smoking, your heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood falls back to normal. In just two to three months, your chance of having a heart attack decreases. It also helps to lower your chance of getting cancer and other deadly diseases.
While it’s best to quit smoking as early as possible, quitting at any age will improve the length and quality of your life. So it is you who can save your own life.
