How to quit smoking
Cutting down to stop smoking.
Less anxiety.
How to quit?
How to quit: There are not just one simple way to quitting. Different things can work for different kind of people. Remember that quitting is hard because you got both a physical addiction and psychological habit.
How to quit smoking: Preparation.
Identify your sources of trigger
There are some situations you may want to avoid at first and then maybe look for other options that can distract your mind.
It can be something like gathering, the use of alcohol, coffee, or working on you computer. They can change in every person and it’s going to be useful understand yours.
And maybe use something else like, drinking water, chewing regular gum, or distract your hands with a toy or a pencil on that situations or avoid them if you can for a while.
Choose a path
-Nicotine replacement therapy
There are a lot of option for nicotine replacement, but the most important thing for use it correctly is to talk with your doctor about the different options.
From nicotine patches, gum, nasal sprays, inhalers and lozenges. Some of them in combination with medications like varenicline or Chantix and bupropion or Zyban. Can help in the long run but remember to ask your doctor before taking any decisions on this ones.
-Use an app to help you.
There are some different apps you can find on the stores that can help you with motivation an other stuff. If you want to cut down to quit you can use a quit smoking app like Alive, or if you want to go cold turkey maybe another one.
-Other options
There are also another kind of devices like Electronic Cigarettes, Vaping with or without nicotine. However they are almost new and more studies needed to be made to really know how safe is to use those devices in the long run, and if you vape nicotine products you may not get rid of you addiction to that substance.
Reach to you inner circle
Tell you family and close ones you are going to attempt it, and that you need them, that their support can be a real difference.
Join a community
Feel free to join a community that can help
It’s as easy as searching “Quit smoking support group” on Facebook to start joining different groups of people that are living exactly what you are. And they are TOTALLY FREE! You can write there 24/7. And you can get in contact with people that can give you a helping hand or a word of advice.
Set a quit day
If you set a quit day some days before you can use the time to prepare yourself, to try to go cutting down so the cravings are a little less strong, and put a repeal death-line on it.
An app to help you stop smoking
Maybe you can benefit from the use of an app to quit, you can learn more in here.
How to quit smoking: While quitting.
About Cravings
Remember that cravings normally last between 5 to 10 minutes wether you smoke or not. So don’t worry if you feel a powerful craving, try to get outside, and distracted. Far away of temptation, and remember: Every time you don’t give in to a craving you are closer to stop smoking for good.
Something that can help you to get distracted of the cravings:
- Doing exercise
- Mindfulness
- Breathing exercises
- Self-care and drinking lots of water.
- Relaxation exercises.
- Yoga or Gym
Tips on how to quit
Wait!
Wait a little bit for the next cigarette, If you feel you are going to surrender to a craving, tell yourself you have to wait 10 o 15 minutes first, and go for a walk or do something to distract yourself. This can help to conquer more and more cravings without giving in.Clean your space
Clear the house of everything that reminds you of smoking. Get rid of cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, wash your clothes and try to eliminate the smell of it.
Support is always important
Search for a support group that can help you in your local community. Or search for a Quitline online they provide free coaching over the phone to help.
Rewards can keep you motivated
Use the money you save on cigarettes to give yourself a reward, pamper yourself with something special, and remember you can do it.
Distractions can help
Distract yourself, From laundry to a FaceTime or phone call with someone, clean the house or turn the tv.
Eat well
Eat vegetables and fruits, focus on eating healthy foods and low fat products so you don’t gain a los of weight.
Motivation
Make a list on why you want to do it. Remember the Benefits of quitting smoking and also the Risks of smoking.
Read
One of the best options to distract your mind from the cravings is reading about not smoking. It can be an online blog or a book, there are great materials on how to quit smoking that you can read to use as a resource.
Change what you drink
Some drinks like cola, tea or coffee can make your cigarettes taste better. Try to change them for water or juice and your brain will not associate those flavor with the urge of smoking.
How to quit smoking: After quitting.
Remember that “Just one” can lead you back to the bad habit. And if you relapse remember you can try again, learn from the experience and try to avoid what happen last time.
Cutting down is one way to improve your habits
Maybe cutting down is the answer for you, learn more.
How to quit smoking: If you relapse.
A lot of people don’t have success on their first attempt, but be patience, observe what things help you and what things don’t.
Every time you try you are a step closer from achieving it.
Find your right combination, remember that is not a magic formula for everyone, so keep attempting it and look what works for you.
Try and try and then try again.