Smoking is a dangerous habit, and quitting is one of the best steps that a person can take to improve their health. It can be a challenge, but we believe that anyone can quit if they take the right steps. Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can make the process much easier.
Gather Resources
We meet with a lot of people who think that they have to rely purely on their own willpower to quit smoking, but that simply isn’t the case. There is a wide variety of resources available that can help make it easier to cut tobacco out of your life once and for all.
Reading up on the process and taking advice from people who have gone through it, can be a good way to avoid common pitfalls. Doctors, support groups, and even the CDC can all provide helpful tips and resources. They can also be helpful for finding other tools, such as quitlines or even apps.
Distract Yourself
Cravings and temptations will be a frequent challenge. We encourage people to find ways to keep their brain busy and distract themselves from the cravings. Many people find that they dwell on it if they aren’t participating in ways to navigate their focus towards a healthier outlet.
There are a lot of options. Exercising is a great choice because it provides a distraction, and physical fitness offers additional health benefits at the same time. It also reduces the risk of weight gain, which is a problem that some people experience when they try to quit. Other people prefer to spend time with their friends or work on projects. Even something as simple as chewing gum can be enough to help. Almost anything can work as long as it takes your focus off of withdraws, and doesn’t expose you to tobacco or opportunities to smoke.
Avoid Temptation
The urge to smoke doesn’t appear at random. People tend to feel more tempted to smoke when they run into situations that spark the urge. Avoiding those situations can help smokers stay clear of potential relapses.
Every smoker has their own smoking triggers, but some of them are more common than others. Most people who are trying to quit should avoid going to places where people tend to smoke. If you habitually smoke after doing a specific activity, like drinking alcohol, it’s best to refrain from doing so whenever possible until your cravings are well under control. Getting rid of ashtrays, lighters, and other smoking paraphernalia will also help to prevent temptation.
Get Help
Quitting should be a team effort because a little bit of support can make all the difference. We encourage everyone to get in touch with a medical professional. Medical professionals can help guide expectations, provide workout recommendations, and even provide medical support to make quitting easier.
Family and friends are also a vital source of support. They can help deal with the emotional challenges of quitting, and provide encouragement in moments of temptation. Support groups can be a major asset because the people in them have personal experience with the challenges of quitting. There are plenty of options out there to help you achieve your goal, so it is just a matter of finding the right one for you.