Everyone knows the dangers of smoking: lung disease, heart disease, increased risk of strokes, COPD, and immune system issues, to name a few; the damaging effects can be many. Despite the warnings and apparent risks, more than 28 million people still smoke in the US right now.
However, quitting the habit isn’t as easy as you might think. Nicotine is addictive, and while thousands of people manage to give up successfully each year and never smoke again, just as many, if not more, fall back into old habits.
But if you are ready to commit, what exactly does it take, and what tips can help you move towards a smoke-free, healthier life?
Have Your Reason
Before you quit, you need to identify why exactly you want to stop smoking. Do you want to improve your health? Do you need to save money, and smoking is costing you too much money? Are you doing this because someone you love dearly has asked you to? Whatever your reason, you need to find it and put this front and center of your journey. Because this is going to be what you are working towards and give you the push to keep going when things get tough.
Prepare
Before you quit smoking, you need to be prepared to find your methods of quitting, whatever that is for you, be it using on nicotine pouches, chewing gum, going to a support group, quitting cold turkey, and prepare for it accordingly. Read into what you can expect from your method of stopping, the types of changes to your body, the cravings you can expect, and when things are most likely to get complicated. Have supplies ready for you so you are set up for success. Be it having patches, gum, something to keep your hands and mind occupied, and so on. The more prepared you are, the higher your chances of success.
Look Into Support
There are copious amounts of support available for people who want to quit smoking. From nicotine replacement therapy, pills to help you overcome the cravings, support groups, helplines, therapy, and more. Look at what is available for you, even if it’s just the support of family and friends, so you know where to turn to help you last the distance and not give up when the craving for one more puff becomes too intense.
Avoid Triggers
In the beginning, it is a good idea to avoid your triggers. Do you smoke more when you are drinking? Then, you will want to avoid situations where alcohol is involved so you’re not tempted to start smoking again. Or is it a social thing? Do you head out for a smoke on your work breaks? Look for those instances when you will be triggered to fall back into old habits and avoid them for the first few weeks or months; however long it takes until you know you can control your cravings.
Find New Habits
Smoking is a habit and it is an addictive habit. An excellent way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. It can be chewing gum, taking up a hobby, walking, or exercising. Whatever keeps your mind and body occupied during the times when you would usually be smoking. By finding something else you can do, you can maximize your chances of success.
Ultimately, it is finding what works for you that will take you from smoker to non-smoker and be able to get the support you need during this process. Get family and friends to help you, lean on other products and services to find support, and always keep the reason why you’re doing this front and center to help you push through the harder periods and overcome the challenges associated with stopping smoking.
