You may have the ambition to quit smoking but aren’t aware of the best methods to do so. Different approaches work differently for various people; therefore, it’s all about finding an option that works for you. Regardless of the health risks you may be aware of, it still isn’t easy to kick the habit. However, it would be in your best interests to find a way to lay off the cigarettes to maintain your health and wellbeing in the long-term future. The nicotine inhaled from cigarettes gives smokers a short-term high, which is extremely addictive. When you try to quit smoking, you may experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings that make you feel uneasy. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Anger and irritability
- Tremors
- Depression and anxiety
- Coughing
In this guide, we’re going to provide a list of some of the best ways you can quit smoking:
Talk to your doctor
If you have been struggling to quit smoking alone, you should book an appointment with your doctor who will be able to point you in the right direction to get the help you need. Typically, you may be prescribed medication to help you overcome withdrawal symptoms when you choose to quit, and may potentially be advised to seek a therapist who will put strategies in place to help you give up smoking once and for all, which is typically known as behavioral therapy.
Find a reason why you want to quit
Unless you have the inner motivation to quit, it’s unlikely you’ll stick to your decision to give up. Therefore, you need to think of the sole reason why you’re doing it which overshadows the draw towards addiction. Some examples may be because you have found out you are pregnant or you’re worried about your children breathing in second-hand smoke. Alternatively, you may wish to look younger as you age but are concerned that smoking is damaging your skin. Ultimately, you need to feel strongly about your reasoning in order to make a success of your decision to quit.
Vaping
Many people turn to e-cigarettes as a method of quitting smoking. In recent years, they have proved a popular tool in weaning chainsmokers off cigarettes once and for all. An e-cigarette is a device that allows you to draw in nicotine in a vapor as opposed to smoke and doesn’t produce carbon monoxide and a host of other chemicals that result from the combustion of tobacco. In short, vaping is considered a much healthier alternative to a cigarette by organisations like the NHS and Public Health England. Holding an e-cigarette keeps your hands busy so you don’t get the desire to start fidgeting, and in time, you’ll start to get used to the idea of vaping as opposed to smoking.
There is a whole subculture and terminology surrounding vaping, so don’t feel like you need to know your drip tip from your mechanical mods. For the beginner, there are a huge range of starter kits so get in touch with your local vape shop for advice where to start.
Talk to your loved ones
Although smoking is a less serious addiction than alcohol or drugs, you should always turn to loved ones to get the support you need when you wish to give up. Inform them that you have decided to embark on the journey of quitting smoking for them to give you a much-needed boost through your toughest challenges. You should also look for a ‘quit’ buddy who wants to stop smoking as well, so you can cheer each other on.
It is also important to express your desire to those in your social circle who are heavy smokers and may be inclined to smoke around you. Being aware of your situation may make them more sensitive to the idea of smoking out of your presence, to prevent you from getting cravings and caving in.
Identify when you crave cigarettes
For those who don’t chain smoke but are perhaps more social smokers, there may be certain circumstances that make you crave a cigarette – and these cravings can last up to five minutes at a time. It is best to be aware of the initial trigger for cravings so you can remove yourself from the situation if you believe you may struggle. When you have discovered your triggers, make a list, and write down tactics of how you’ll deal with cravings if they occur.
If you’re considering the idea of stopping smoking, we hope this guide has given you some useful techniques to take on board and hopefully encourage you to say, “I’m quitting,” for the very last time.
