Tips to Quit Smoking Cigarettes
Published by Desiree Rawls on Apr 6th 2020
So, you're finally ready to put down the smokes to pursue a healthier lifestyle? Congratulations! You know very well the dangers of smoking tobacco. Still, you also know that cigarettes are incredibly addictive, and having the desire to quit alone can prove to be a challenge.
We're going to share with you some tips and resources to kick that tobacco habit! If you own a shop and have customers who are trying to stop smoking, use this article as a resource to share with them.
How did you start smoking in the first place?
First, it is essential to understand when and how you developed the smoking habit. Ask yourself:
●Where were you when you had your first cigarette?
●What conditions were you under? Were they stressful?
●Did peer pressure entice you to light up?
Most likely, there probably wasn't a significant turning point that happened to cause you to take up smoking. You don't wake up one day addicted to cigarettes. It is something that happens over time, and before you know it, you find yourself smoking tobacco for a variety of reasons.
If you have a stressful day, you might smoke more. If you are out socializing with your friends, you find yourself lighting up every time they do. Before you know it, you are craving a smoke as soon as you wake up, after every meal, etc. It became a regular part of your life, like muscle memory.
Is it an addiction or a bad habit?
Next, try to identify whether you have a nicotine addiction, or if it is just a bad habit that you need to quit. You might be addicted to nicotine if:
●You experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability.
●You avoid social situations if smoking isn't allowed.
●You can't stop thinking about smoking.
●You keep smoking even though you have underlying health conditions.
Be honest with yourself and figure out if any of these symptoms or situations apply to you.
Mentally prepare yourself to quit smoking.
You'll need to make a conscious decision to quit smoking once and for all. Understand that nothing has control over you that you do not allow. You are the boss of your life! Take control. You are doing this for yourself! Like anything else you want in your life, you will have to make the commitment.
Make a plan that'll be easy for you to follow and to stick to. Consider how you would like to initiate your plan to quit tobacco.
Do you want to ween yourself off of tobacco by taking fewer smoke breaks? Perhaps you want to designate days to not smoke? Or, would you prefer to quit cold turkey? It is important to think about where you are in your personal journey and what is practical for you. Anything is possible when you truly want it!
Ready to get started? Let's do it!
As mentioned above, you will need to choose an action that works best for you. It is important to recognize that while quitting cold turkey is brave and optimistic, most people who try this find that it is hard to maintain.
You will have to be able to cope with the withdrawal symptoms healthily. Tapering off and taking days to break could be more comfortable and produce better results. Ultimately, you know what is best for you and what will work or will not work.
Alternatives
Sometimes people will turn to other options to help them replace the urge to smoke. More muscle memory! Here are a few alternatives to curb your tobacco habit.
Tea
This may not be news to some of you, but for a majority of people, the idea of using tea to curve the desire for nicotine is not farfetched. Herbalists have dedicated their lives to studying the healing effects of herbs and learned that they could be blended into tea and consumed. These herbal blends are far safer and taste better as well! An excellent brand to start with is TEAZA, which was developed by a doctor who wanted to end his own unhealthy habits!
Meditation
Now, we know what you're thinking. You don't want to sit on the floor, criss-cross applesauce in deep silence. Or maybe that's your thing. Whatever's clever! However, there are more ways to meditate through what is known as active meditation! Develop a gym routine or dedicate some time to practice yoga. Choose a style that works for you.
About Those Vapes…
Now, we all love the convenience of our little puff pens. However, there has been a misconception that there are no adverse effects of vape pens. For one, smoking anything will have effects on your lungs. Vape pens are an easy habit to pick up and only take the push of a button. You are likely to smoke more, and nicotine is still harmful no matter how you are consuming it. So, keep that in mind and make sure you do more research on what is best for you.
It all comes down to structure! It takes 21 days to develop a habit and, therefore, 21 days to end one. It is simply time to replace your old habits for healthier ones. Get excited for yourself! Don't forget to thank yourself for caring and loving your body. You got this!
Here are some other resources to help as well!
http://www.center4research.org/vaping-safer-smoking-cigarettes-2/