Do you feel like you’re fighting a lost cause trying to quit smoking? Do you feel like you’ve tried quitting for too long and are frustrated because of your failure? Do you find it comforting to know that you are not the only one who failed to quit smoking? Or in the fact that most smokers take multiple tries before finally getting rid of the smoking habit?
It is understandable for you to feel that way, as many people who are attempting to quit smoking share that same feeling. However, it is best to view those failures not as a reminder that you cannot quit, but rather as a normal part of the journey towards a cigarette-free lifestyle.
During the arduous journey to becoming smoke-free, it is important that you keep this mantra in your head: “Nothing is impossible, you can do it!” And to help you further in your quest, here are twelve simple and effective ways to quit smoking:
l Deep breathing. This is the simplest technique you can use to help you get started on quitting smoking. Try to do these steps three times when you feel the urge to smoke. Inhale the deepest lung-full of air you can and slowly exhale, pursing your lips so that air comes out slowly. As you let our air, close your eyes and slowly let your chin sink over onto your chest. Imagine all the tension getting out of your body, little by little flowing out from your fingers and toes. This is a variation of a very relaxing yoga technique. If practiced frequently, it may also help you during stressful situations. It’s primary function is to help you get through the strong nicotine cravings during the initial stages of quitting the smoking habit.
l Flushing. During the first few days, drink lots of water to slowly flush out the nicotine and other chemicals from your body.
l Watch what you eat. Stay away from alcohol, sugar, and coffee. Alcohol, sugar, and coffee have a tendency to stimulate the desire to light up a cigarette. Keep fatty foods to a minimum because the body’s metabolism may slow down a little bit without the nicotine. And because of this change in the body’s metabolism. a little dieting discipline is required.
l Use oral substitutes. There are a lot of oral substitutes available in the market right now. One can use cinnamon sticks, chewing gum, or artificial cigarettes as a replacement. This makes it easier for smokers to get over the need of popping a cigarette into their mouths. And by the first week of being a non-smoker, you will find that you won’t have any use for oral substitutes anymore.
l Exercise. Sweating helps flush out nicotine through your sweat. And also, if you see yourself getting fitter and healthier every time you exercise, chances are you’d feel reluctant lighting a stick of cigarette knowing pretty well what it can do to you.
l Surround yourself with supportive people. Ask for support from people who matter to you. Your family, friends, even trusted co-workers. It helps to have people who care for you encourage you to go on.
Smoking may have been enjoyable, but somethings are just not meant to be enjoyed for too long. Just think about your own health and the wellbeing of those around you, and that alone should be motivation enough to get you to start taking smoking seriously.