Fewer people than ever are smoking cigarettes, and that’s amazing news. Have you kicked the habit, or are you living in the past?
Quitting smoking is hard work. Many people think you can just quit cold turkey. While some people are capable of simply putting down their cigarettes and going on with their lives, the majority of people need time and support to truly end their addiction.
We’re here to talk about a few things people do that help them stop smoking. Read on to learn more.
Consider Switching to Alternatives
There’s no good or safe way to consume nicotine products, but there are cigarette alternatives that are safer than cigarettes. They still carry risks, but they’re different (and often less severe) risks
You could try nicotine gum. Nicotine gum has a small amount of nicotine in it so when you’re feeling a craving, it should be able to take the edge off. You can buy nicotine gum at the pharmacy so you don’t even need a doctor’s prescription.
You can also buy nicotine patches. Instead of smoking, you place a patch on your skin and it will release a small amount of nicotine over time. You should feel less anxious and your cravings should subside.
If you like the feeling of smoking, but you don’t want to actually smoke, you can try vaping. Vaping isn’t safe per se, but it is better than smoking. When you use a vape from the STLTH vape collections, it will also be tastier and more subtle than smoking. Be careful while vaping because it’s easy to accidentally consume far too much nicotine if you’re new to it.
Alternatives to smoking should be temporary. They’re steps in the process of quitting your smoking habit altogether.
See a Doctor
If you’re seriously struggling to get your smoking habit under control, there’s no shame in seeing a doctor. Medical professionals understand that nicotine addiction is serious. They won’t shame you for trying to get your life back on track by quitting.
They can offer you prescription medication that may help with your smoking urges. Welbutrin (or bupropion), for example, is an antidepressant that actually works well for people trying to quit smoking!
Your doctor will also be able to help you get healthier while you’re trying to quit. Smoking can take a serious toll on your health, so it’s always a good idea to have a check-up.
Start Therapy
Your physical health isn’t the only thing you should focus on. Make sure you’re tending to your mental health as well. Quitting smoking is tough on your mind and body.
A good therapist may be able to help you identify the underlying cause of your cigarette problem. Identifying the root cause can be the trick to beating your addiction.
A therapist can also help you identify alternative coping mechanisms. They’ve likely had plenty of patients going through exactly what you’re going through right now, so they know all of the best tips and tricks for getting through it. Some of them may even have kicked the habit themselves.
Chew gum
Often, smoking is the result of an oral fixation. Yes, nicotine is addictive, but just having something in your mouth may fill the void and curb cravings enough that you can go through your day without lighting up.
Find a few flavors of chewing gum (preferably sugar-free, but sugar is better for you than cigarettes) so you can cycle through them without getting bored throughout the day. We already mentioned nicotine gum, but while it’s safer than cigarettes, you should only chew it in moderation. Normal chewing gum is fine to chew, and sugar-free chewing gum may even be good for your oral health.
When you feel like lighting a cigarette, chew a piece of gum instead.
Start an Exercise Routine
When you exercise, you aren’t just making your body healthier. You’re also causing your body to release endorphins or happy chemicals, that can curb cigarette cravings and make you feel great.
Exercising will also make you want to be healthier in other areas of your life. Many people who start exercising find that they also start eating healthier without making a serious concentrated effort. You may find that you no longer crave cigarettes as severely when you have a healthy exercise routine established.
When a cigarette craving comes along, put on your workout gear and go for a jog. You won’t regret it.
Try Yoga
Speaking of exercise, yoga may also help you kick your cigarette habit. Yoga is an ancient practice, but nowadays, most people use it for exercise and mindfulness. Yoga routines vary from slow and bendy to fast-paced and intense.
Yoga places an emphasis on the breath, or in this case, “yogic breathing.” This breathing style promotes mindfulness and a focus on the present moment.
You can take the mindfulness you learn from yoga and apply it elsewhere in your life. It may help you kick the habit.
Hang Out With Friends
When do you find yourself most wanting to smoke? Is it when you’re alone and experiencing stress? If so, hang out with friends as often as possible to curb your addiction. Try to hang out with friends who don’t smoke. If they do smoke, kindly ask them not to do so in your presence.
Go do activities in non-smoking places like museums, restaurants, and (some) parks. Distract yourself with good conversations and fun times. A whole day can pass by without you even thinking about your cigarettes.
You Can Kick Your Smoking Habit
Everyone knows that it’s incredibly hard to quit smoking, but with enough determination and support, you can do it. Smoking is terrible for your heart and lungs. The best time to quit was the day you started, but the second best time is right now.
Use these tips and you’ll be on your way to a smoke-free life by the end of the year.
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