We are well aware of the whole effects of smoking cigarettes. However, we also know that it is very difficult for someone to quit smoking just like that. This article will try to help you find ways to point you in the right direction when it comes to quitting.
The Habit and Addiction
One of the most important points that need to remember in terms of smoking is that it can be very addicting. Yes, you are dealing with an addiction if you are smoking. It is both psychological and physical. In order to battle the addiction, you have to address two issues: The habit and addiction.
Fortunately, there are certain ways by which you can deal with these two factors without endangering your life even more. You just have to change certain behavioral patterns that have led you to form the habit of smoking.
You should also not quit cold turkey because your body will to have withdrawal of the symptoms because of the nicotine. As mentioned earlier, behavior modification is one of the best ways for you to deal with these issues.
Most Common Reasons behind Smoking
Like any other problem, there tends to be a cause for all the issues that you have with regards to smoking. These are some of the major reasons why people smoke.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sadness
- Boredom
What people who smoke do not know is that smoking would be just a temporary fix. What they need to do is get to that would cause of their anxiety or depression. If the patient is able to pinpoint the cause of their depression, it will be able to do with it directly and not have to resort to smoking this to escape their problems.
Another way to maintain quitting would be to find alternative ways to deal with difficult feelings of anxiety and depression. Here are some of the alternative ways of handling depression as follows.
- Exercise
- Meditation
- Sensory relaxation
- Breathing exercises
If you are able to do this, it would be able to clear your head and think about what you were really supposed to do after dealing with the problem.
In addition to this, finding a good motivation for your goals would be one of the best ways to quit smoking for good. If you can, you should list down the reasons why you should quit smoking. If possible, you should always carry it around you wherever you may go as a reminder of what you’re doing what you’re doing. In this way, you would be able to effectively avoid smoking no matter how stressful the situation might be.
Furthermore, you should also be aware of your smoking triggers. When and where the usually feel the need to smoke? What types of situations bring you to smoking? If you can answer these questions, then it would be easier for you to change your behavioral patterns in such a way that you can avoid the situations that can lead you to smoking.
You can start your smoking plan by remembering and following the steps.
- Setting a quit date: Knowing the exact date when you would start quitting will help you set the main goal in motion.
- You should also tell your family and friends of your plans to quit. In this way, they will be able to remind you of your goal and your goal and effectively lead you back to the right direction.
- You should also be prepared for the challenges that you might have to face while quitting. Train yourself in such a way that you would be able to do with the challenges properly without returning to your habits.
- In addition to this, you should also remove anything that will remind you of the habit and might lead you astray as well. You should remove all cigarette packs from your house, your workplace as well as your vehicle/transportation.
- Lastly, you should not be ashamed to ask for help talking to a professional about your addiction will help you remain focused on your goals and eventually become successful in quitting.
In the event log and Managing Your Cravings
Now that you have successfully quit, the next issue that you would have to deal with are the cravings that you are bound to have. Here are the symptoms that may indicate your cravings for cigarettes.
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Increased appetite
- Restlessness
You’re bound to experience the symptoms because of the lack of immediate release that the sugar from the nicotine may provide for your body. However, the symptoms may only last for a few days until your body can adjust to the changes that are occurring inside. In these days, all your sugar levels may be a bit higher than normal. To counteract the effects of the cravings, you should drink plenty of juices. This will help your body adjust back to normal.
Additional Tips
Aside from those mentioned, you may also have to change your social circles. This means that as much as possible, try to avoid spending time with smokers in the workplace or in other possible locations that you might be in.
In addition, try to find a friend that can quit smoking with you. Quitting with a friend or make it easier for you to follow your program. Your friend will be there to remind you and help you get back up in case you fall off the wagon.
Keeping a healthy diet can also help you stop smoking. This will help you lose weight and keep the pounds that you have lost from smoking off. In this way, you will also be motivated to not smoke on a regular basis.
In connection with this, try to get support from others as much as you can. If you have the emotional problems that you would want to deal with, call someone whom you can talk to. In this way, you would be able to unload all your feelings of anxiety and sadness and therefore quell the urge to smoke more effectively.
Always remember that if you’re determined enough, you will be able to reach your goal no matter how many challenges you face as you get there. The most important thing is that you are willing to do whatever it takes to rid yourself of smoking. If you keep this in mind, there is nothing to stop you from not smoking any longer.