Simple Tips to Effectively Quit Smoking
Smoking is a devastating habit that not only harms the body, but also takes a huge toll on one’s wallet. There are many ways to stop smoking, and understanding the best methods for you can be hard to figure out. In this article we will discuss some effective ways to quit smoking that have been proven by time and research.
1. Make a plan
One of the best ways to quit smoking is to make a plan. This means understanding your triggers and planning ahead for how you will deal with them. For example, if you smoke while at work or while having a beer, think about what you will do instead of smoking in those circumstances: maybe take a walk outside during your breaks and drink lots of water? This is the best step to help you stop nicotine cravings because you will do it by making a plan that makes you more accountable for your actions. If you just suddenly stop then there’s no chance that this new habit will last long. To be able to fully break the old habits one needs to replace them with new healthier ones.
2. Remove all cigarettes from your house and car
Removing all cigarettes from your house and car is a great way to quit smoking for anyone who does not have the luxury of going cold turkey. This simple tip can make you trip as some people may feel as though they need a cigarette when in their home or vehicle, but having no cigarettes will give them time to think about what they really want to do instead.
Also, many times it only takes the thought of getting up and leaving your home or going outside to smoke a cigarette before you realize that maybe having a cigarette isn’t worth it. The same goes with taking the cigarettes out of your car: if you’re on long drives then just imagine how much easier it’ll be without that temptation!
3. Exercise
One great way to quit smoking is to exercise. Research has shown that when a person exercises their body produces substances called endorphins which mimic the feeling of being high from smoking cigarettes. This means that when you go for a run or work out at the gym you will feel less stress and cravings for cigarettes, and over time this can help you break the habit for good.
In addition, exercise is just a healthy overall habit to have in your life, and it’s great for your physical and mental well-being. This will make it easier to stick to your plan to quit smoking.
4. Get support from your friends and family
Many times people find it helpful to get support from their friends and family when quitting smoking. This could mean telling them about your plan and asking them to help keep you accountable, or simply having them around to offer encouragement when things get tough. It can be hard to break old habits on your own, so having the support of those around you can be very beneficial. Support systems play a huge role in recovery and quitting smoking is no different, so make sure to use the resources you have available to you.
5. Distract yourself from your cravings
Distracting oneself from their cravings is one of the best ways to quit smoking because it gives you something else to think about instead of always obsessing over cigarettes. One way to distract yourself is by going for walks, talking to a friend, or going on a run; all of these will take your mind off cigarettes and keep you active.
Another way is by keeping yourself busy: if you’re at home then clean up around the house, do some dishes, or even go for a walk! One other way which many people enjoy is listening to music, simply putting headphones in and listening to something upbeat. This can be one of the most effective ways to distract yourself from cravings because it keeps your hand occupied as well as taking you away from those dark thoughts.
6. Try nicotine replacement therapy
Many studies have shown that the best methods for quitting smoking come through different types of therapies that work towards weaning someone off their nicotine addiction. One of these therapies is made up out of a number of different products designed to help someone break their habit by slowly reducing the amount of nicotine in their body until they no longer crave it.
Nicotine replacement therapy can be very effective because it allows you control over how much nicotine you actually take in, and this means that your cravings will not get out of hand when trying to quit smoking. If you are really struggling to quit then it might be well worth it for you to try.
7. Make yourself a list of all the reasons you want to quit
One great way to hold yourself accountable and quit smoking is by making a list of all the reasons why you want to stop. This can be anything from wanting to be healthier to wanting to save money. Once you have your list, put it somewhere where you can see it every day as a reminder of why you’re doing this. When the cravings start to become too much, take a look at your list and remind yourself of why you’re doing this. It can be very helpful to have something tangible to focus on when quitting smoking.
8. Identify your triggers
Another thing that can be very helpful when quitting smoking is identifying your personal triggers. What are the things that make you want to smoke a cigarette? Is it stress, boredom, anger, or after meals? Once you know what your triggers are, then you can make a conscious effort to avoid them or put your mind elsewhere when they come up. For example, if you smoke after every meal then try going for a walk instead of lighting a cigarette, or doing yoga, which can help you relax. By doing this you’re essentially teaching yourself how to replace smoking with healthier habits, and that’s never a bad thing!
Quitting smoking can be a difficult process, but with the right tools it can be done. These simple tips are just a few of the ways that you can successfully break your smoking habit and live a healthier life. Make sure to use the resources you have available to you, be patient and be strong, and you will be able to quit smoking for good!
