Let’s start with a few simple and straight facts:
Smoking is injurious to health.
You CAan quit smoking!
If you agree to the above-mentioned statements then we are here to help you! In this blog, we will take you through a step-by-step plan that you can follow and take a step toward a smoke-free and healthy life. We will also talk about anti tobacco chewing gums and tell you how they can be added to your quitting plan.
But before we do that, there are a few things that we want to talk about. Know that quitting smoking is not going to be an easy thing to do. You have been smoking for years, putting nicotine in your body and when you suddenly stop giving it to your body, it is going to react.
As you know nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco that is responsible for causing instant feelings of relief or calmness, it is very harmful for your body. Once your body gets dependent on nicotine, it experiences withdrawal symptoms when you do not give nicotine to it. These symptoms can range from moodiness, irritability, anxiety to constipation and dizziness. But worry not. We have got you covered. Read the following guide:
Step 1 – Know your reasons
As much as smoking seems to be a physical phenomenon, it is very much a psychological and behavioral one. Hence, knowing your intentions and reasons behind your decision is very much important. They can vary from reclaiming your health, protecting your loved ones, or anything else. These reasons will act as a strong foundation for you when you embark on your quitting journey. We even recommend writing these reasons loud and clear and sticking them somewhere you can read them.
Step 2 – Pick a date
Once you have identified your reasons, you need to fix a date. There should be some gap between your deciding day and your quitting day as during this period you can prepare your mind. You can also use this period to understand the triggers, urges and patterns of your smoking behavior. All this knowledge will help you manage your cravings effectively when you quit smoking.
Step 3 – Let people know
Keep the people around you informed about your decision to quit. They will act as your support group. Maybe even try convincing one of your smoke buddies to become your quit buddy. You can keep each other company, push each other to stay strong and quit smoking together.
Step 4 – Throw it all away
Once you decide to quit, there is no point in keeping anything that reminds you of cigarettes around you. Throw away that ashtray, empty your emergency stock and be free of anything and everything that reminds you of cigarettes.
Step 5 – Come up with a coping strategy
This has multi small steps under this. Once you quit, be prepared to fight with smoking cravings. They will come strongly but you need to be stronger.
- NRT products – You can depend on NRT products like Anti Tobacco Chewing Gum, nicotine patches, or tablets to help you manage nicotine symptoms. These products are designed to provide a controlled amount of nicotine into your body. This way you can be in charge of the amount of nicotine you put into your body and slowly decrease the amount.
- Delay and Divert – Urges and cravings come in waves of 4-5 minutes. Stay strong during them. They will come and they will pass. Try to keep yourself busy during the times when you know that you used to smoke. Change your routines and habits. For example – if you used to smoke after having your dinner, try to take a walk with your pet or loved one during that time.
- Mange your stress – If you treat smoking as stress buster then it is avisable to find alternative stress buting activities. You can indulge in yoga or meditation. Be easy on yourself.
Step 6 – Take care of your diet
Your body is already fighting a battle while dealing with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, you do not have to be on a diet during that period. Of course, we are not saying that eat unhealthy food. Be cognizant of what you are putting in your body. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. This will keep your tummy full and give you strength to deal with nicotine cravings in a healthy manner.
Step 7 – Be consistent
This is one of the most important things to do. Stay committed to your goal of quitting. Take a look at your reasons in times of weakness and constantly remind yourself about your reasons behind quitting. You can even consider setting up a reward symptom. Like treating your self with your favorite food after completing some milestone. This will give you something to look forward to another goal.
Following these steps will guarantee you success in your quitting journey. But if you fail and end up having a smoke, don’t be too hard on yourself or be disheartened. You can again start your quitting journey. As long as you stay committed to the idea of quitting – you will get it done.
