Most smokers are struggling with their weight and overall health. To give up this unhealthy habit means they will need to undergo a series of physical and mental difficulties and overcome them. The struggle can be overbearing, but to quit smoking is literally gaining a new lease on life.
According to Thomas Glynn, Ph.D., a director for the American Cancer Society, smoking damages nearly every organ in your body. Smoking alone is linked to 15 different forms of cancer. Continuing with this lethal habit means you are highly likely to die from a smoking-related disease.
As soon as you quit smoking, your body will start to repair itself. According to Glyn, you will start getting your strength back within seven to ten days and will eventually restore your sense of taste and smell to what it used to be before you started smoking.
Within weeks, your blood pressure and heart rate will reach a more normal rate and your circulation and breathing will improve dramatically.
If you want to experience the benefits of a smoke-free life once more, here are five ways you can employ to help give up the puff permanently.
Find Out About Prescriptions
If you are really decided on quitting smoking, the best person to get advice from is your doctor. Your physician can refer you to a specialist who can help you out with your habit or addiction with nicotine.
Sometimes, doctors prescribe medications that can curb cravings and make smoking less satisfying. They can also prescribe meds that can ease your symptoms of withdrawal such as muscles spasms, anxiety, poor concentration, and even depression.
Consider Nicotine Replacement Therapy
When you give up smoking cigarettes for good, the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal can cause severe headaches. It can also sap your energy out and affect your mood dramatically. These effects can drive you to wreak havoc with your progress and fall into the habit of smoking again.
Nicotine replacement therapy will help curb your cravings to smoke again. Studies also show that lozenges, nicotine gum, and patches can help improve your chances of living a smoke-free life. Try to consider these options as they might be helpful to you.
Use E-cigarettes
Dr. Michael Siegel, a professor of community health sciences at Boston University School of Public Health stated it appears that e-cigarettes are a viable method of quitting smoking comparable to traditional nicotine replacement therapy.
A recent study has found that people who are eager to quit smoking were about 60% more likely to succeed if they used e-cigarettes as a part of their daily life compared to the people who tried to quit smoking by merely gradually decreasing the number of cigarettes they smoke.
Another study also found that e-cigarette users were more likely to attempt to quit smoking and succeed in this endeavor than those who did not use any electronic devices. Use a vape juice you like to make it even easier on you.
Find Ways To Unwind
One of the reasons people smoke is that nicotine helps them wind down. As soon as you quit smoking, it is imperative that you find new ways to give yourself a break. You can go on a quick run to help blow off steam, treat yourself to a massage, play sports and make more time for a hobby that you used to love.
Avoid any stressful situations while you are still in the process of quitting smoking. To help fight stress, incorporate daily exercises. Joining a fitness program will help you stay consistent with exercising and lead your mind astray from picking up a pack of a cigarette again. In addition, exercise helps your body release the so-called “happy hormones” and directly fight off stress.
Clean Your House Or Office
Once you have smoked your very last cigarette, throw away your lighters and ashtrays. Wash any clothes that still smells like smoke, clean your carpets and replace your curtains and upholstery in your home or office. If you smoke inside your car, clean it as well. Get rid of anything that will remind you of smoking.
Avoid Triggers
It will be difficult for you to stick to your goal when you drink alcohol or hang out with people who smoke or do not respect your decision to quit the butt. Avoid these situations and surround yourself with people who will encourage your decision to live a healthy lifestyle.
If you often smoke when you drink coffee, it is best to switch your drink in the meantime. Replace your coffee with tea and stay with it for a few weeks. If you smoke after meals, apply a different habit instead, such as brushing your teeth or chewing a gum after you are done eating.
Many people tried to quit smoking but have not been successful the first time. If you encounter some relapse on this journey, do not get discouraged. Instead, use this opportunity to step up your commitment to quitting the smoke forever and live a healthy life.