Smoking is generally known as a hard habit to drop for many reasons. In order to overcome your cravings and get to a point where you are no longer subject to inhaling the toxic fumes, here are 5 quick tips.
1. Know why you want to quit: You need a powerful, personal reason that will motivate you to quit smoking. It may be that you want to protect your neighbours or family from second hand smoke. The thought of lung cancer may scare you. Or perhaps you want to look and feel younger. Your reason must be strong enough to assist in your decision making.
2. Try nicotine withdrawal therapy: Nicotine withdrawal therapy can help you reduce the feelings of restlessness, frustration, depression, etc. after you withdraw from nicotine. Studies suggests that nicotine gum and lozenges can help double the chance of quitting smoking.
3. Ask about prescription pills: You can ask your doctor about prescribed drugs to avoid using medications that contain nicotine. Some medication help reduce cravings by affecting some chemicals in the brain. Even when you pick up a cigarette to smoke, these drugs could make smoking less satisfying.
4. Manage Stress: It is believed that most people smoke because nicotine helps them relax. You will definitely need another way to cope with stress once you quit. After quitting, you could try regular massages, listening to feel-good or relaxing music or you may even learn tai chi or yoga.
5.
Avoid alcohol and other triggers: Alcohol is the most common smoking trigger. You should try to drink less when you first quit. If coffee is a trigger for you, you may switch to tea in the first few weeks. And if you are the type that smokes usually after meals, you can find something else to do instead, like chewing gum or brushing your teeth.
Do let us know how it goes!
About the author: Solomon Eko is a writer, photopreneur/photojournalist/photo-artist. He is also a creative content consultant. You can find him on
www.wunderbaread.blogsot.com and
www.solomonenangeko.blogspot.com. You can also find him on facebook as Solomon Eko or follow him on twitter @vonekoz
