Smoking: Start your quit journey

Quitting smoking is only half the battle; it is not yet over. It can help you to take the jump if you know where to begin. Now that you have a better idea of all the ways to quit smoking, use these strategies to get you started.

According to the American Lung Association, in the US, 480,000 people die every year from tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke.

Despite the well-known health dangers posed by cigarette smoking, “tobacco use remains the primary preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.”

Quitting smoking is not a single event that happens on one day. It is a long- term process that requires effort every day. Because you have chosen to quit, you will have better health and a longer, more satisfying life, as well as being an inspiration and role model to those around you.

As an alternative to quitting smoking, you must adjust your behavior and overcome the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, in addition to finding other strategies to regulate your emotions.

Following a specific game plan can break free from nicotine addiction and kick the habit for good. Take five approaches to quitting smoking.

The Best Way to Quit Smoking:

1. Schedule a quit day on your calendar.

Deciding to stop smoking is a signal that you are prepared to set a quit date. Do not pick a date that is too far away, since you’ll change your mind, but picking a day that gives you time to prepare is just fine.

2. Use positive thinking

If you have tried to quit smoking in the past and have not been successful, do not let that discourage you. Think about how you’re going to approach the project this time instead of looking back at what you have learned.

3. Consider your eating habits.

Do you enjoy smoking after dinner? Research conducted in the United States found that meat, in particular, served to increase the pleasurable aspect of smoking. Fruit, vegetables, and cheese all detract from the taste of smoke. Instead of eating your regular steak or burger, have a veggie pizza. Changing your routine before or after meals may also be useful. Settling down in a room where you don’t smoke and cleaning the dishes immediately may assist.

4. Switch to a different beverage

Another US study discovered that different drinks contain the same amount of sugar. Aspirin, diet soda, decaffeinated coffee, fizzy drinks, hard liquor, tea, and lemonade all help cigarettes taste better. Be sure to drink more water and juice when you’re out. Wine drinkers may experience cravings when they drink something else, such as switching to vodka and tomato juice.

5. Non-smoking friends should be made.

Stay away from non-smokers when you’re at a party.

6. Write down the reasons why you want to quit.

Remind yourself of the reason you decided to cut back. When you need help, go back and review your list of reasons.

If I start smoking again, what will happen?

The disease is called a relapse, and many people have gone through it before giving up their dependency permanently. Another important fact to note about addictions like smoking is that they tend to be quite constant. Until you are ready to quit again, try to keep yourself from smoking as much as possible. To stop permanently takes time, and that can even be a long process. However, it is totally worth it.