Resisting tobacco cravings can be incredibly demanding, and it’s a fact most smokers know all too well. The urges can be so strong that standing up to them may seem nearly impossible at times, but plenty of people overcame their dependence on cigarettes and now enjoy a smoke-free life.
It means that you, too, can quit smoking for good. With a bit of help and some much-needed guidance, there’s no reason you should fail in your quest.
In order to stop smoking, some people turn to vaping, which is not entirely safe but still a healthier alternative. You can also do your best to avoid triggers, start being physically active, or try various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
This article provides more information about these and other effective methods that can help you put cigarettes away for good. Here’s what you should know before you start your smoke-free journey.
Try Vaping
Vaping is becoming increasingly popular among smokers trying to quit, as it provides a similar sensation without the same amount of toxins. It involves using a vape pen to inhale vapor created by heating up the e-liquid of your choice.
Vaping can help you eliminate the smoking habit since it mimics the experience and allows you to get off nicotine slowly. You can gradually lower your nicotine intake by using e-liquids with smaller concentrations until you reach a point where you can smoke a nicotine-free one.
So, if you’re looking for a way to quit smoking, give vaping a try and see if it works for you. To get started, you can browse wax pens for sale on the internet and look for something that fits your preferences or get a vape kit that contains everything you need as a beginner.
Start Being Physically Active
One of the best ways to fight intense tobacco cravings is to increase your physical activity level. Even something as simple as running around the neighborhood will help you stay on track. Alternatively, if you want to take on a bigger commitment, you can join a gym or enroll in a yoga class.
Exercising is a great way to deal with stress and blow the steam off, so it can be really effective in helping you stop smoking. It can reduce your cravings and give you something else to focus on besides tobacco.
If you want to stay motivated and have someone to hold you accountable, consider getting yourself a workout buddy. They will help you through the most challenging periods of your life and prevent you from relapsing.
Avoid Triggers
When it comes to quitting smoking, avoiding triggers is one of the most important things you can do. You need to recognize situations and people that make you want to light up and try to stay away from them. If this means distancing yourself from certain people or places, then so be it.
Getting rid of ashtrays or lighters that you keep in your house “just in case” is essential. Similarly, don’t stash an emergency pack in your car — it will only make your goal of becoming smoke-free more challenging.
Keeping your hands busy at all times can also help, so start carrying around a stress ball or play with different fidget toys that will help distract you from cravings.
Use Relaxation Methods
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can be incredibly useful when it comes to quitting smoking. Deep breathing can help you reduce stress levels, while meditation will allow you to connect with your inner self and find the strength to resist tobacco cravings.
At the same time, journaling can be beneficial in helping you understand why you smoke and how you can stop. Writing down your thoughts and feelings could give you better insight into your addiction and help you develop an action plan for quitting.
You can also try to keep a diary and make a promise to yourself that you’ll write in it every single day. This way, you’ll feel committed to writing and always have a safe and private outlet to vent.
Remind Yourself About the Benefits of Quitting
Sometimes, it’s difficult to stay motivated and keep going when you feel like giving up. That’s why reminding yourself of the benefits of quitting smoking can be helpful.
Each time before sleep, think about how your life will change for the better if you succeed in quitting cigarettes. If you need to see a reminder, you can create a list of the pros it provides and hang it on your fridge door.
Some of the benefits you can include on the list are
- better cardiovascular health,
- improved breathing,
- increased energy levels,
- reduced risk of premature death,
- lower cholesterol,
- better vision,
- clear, shining skin.
The Bottom Line
Quitting smoking will most likely be a journey filled with ups and downs, but it is entirely possible to succeed in your pursuit of a smoke-free life. To quit smoking, you can turn to vaping, do your best to avoid triggers, start being physically active, or try different relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
Additionally, it’s important to remind yourself of the benefits of quitting smoking and find alternative ways to manage stress. This way, you can avoid going back to this unhealthy habit.
Now that you have more information about quitting smoking, you can create a plan and start working toward your goal. Good luck!