Although there are cautions about smoking being detrimental to your health, for most people smoking is addictive and very hard to quit. Ever wondered what smoking does to your health and how you can quit? If you’re reading this article, it means you’re well on your way to quitting.
According to the Center for disease control and prevention, smoking cigarettes is harmful to your health because it increases your chances of getting cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
However difficult it may be, quitting smoking begins with your mindset and how bad you want to quit. Whether you use alternative ways to help yourself stop or whether you use resources to educate yourself on different methods on how you can quit, Helpguide explains that smoking is both a physical addiction and psychological habit. Here are some ways that can help you quit smoking:
Begin your journey
Sometimes it’s difficult to just decide that you’re quitting today, have a set date to emotionally prepare yourself. For example, if you smoke everyday then try to cut down on weekends or during the week so you can get used to the change.
Seek support
Involve your family, friends and colleagues on your journey to quit smoking, so they can be your support structure and motivate you to stick to the course.
Clear out your house
Remove any traces of cigarettes, ashtrays, matches and lighters so that there cannot be any triggers around your house.
Speak to your doctor
Quitting smoking comes with withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will be able to help you with prescribed medication you can take to help you.
Manage your cigarette cravings – According to helpguide cigarette cravings last from 5 to 10 minutes, this helps to remind yourself that the cravings will pass after this short time. Ideas you can do to distract yourself are:
- Always find something to do when the cravings come, for example, exercise or washing the dishes.
- Occupy your mind with something else, for example, reading a book, playing games or doing crossword puzzles.
- Reward yourself by motivating yourself every time a craving passes, for example, having a jar of sweets and take one every time you fight the urge to smoke.
