Changing any bad habit can be challenging, but few are as hard as quitting smoking. According to the CDC, fewer than one in 10 adult smokers successfully quit each year. As difficult as it can be to stamp out the habit permanently, you might experience success on your journey by taking some of the following actions.
Trying Alternative Smoking Products
An alternative smoking product, such as a vape pen or a hemp cigarette, might be how you say goodbye to harmful cigarettes for good. While many alternative smoking products aren’t entirely harmless themselves, they can generally be an excellent stepping stone to leading a smoke-free lifestyle. Many of these products are low nicotine or nicotine-free, and most don’t contain tobacco. While you can enjoy the sensation of smoking, you’re avoiding some of the most harmful components that make it an addictive and hard-to-break habit.
Exploring Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Many healthcare professionals recommend nicotine replacement therapy, which incorporates a range of nicotine products like gum, sprays, lozenges, and patches, without other harmful chemicals. These products are designed to assist with withdrawal symptoms that often make it challenging for people to give up tobacco. However, these products are not suitable for everyone, especially those still using tobacco products, teenagers, and pregnant women.
Creating a Support Network
Many people try to quit smoking on their own and can be scared to tell others in case they fail on their journey to a smoke-free lifestyle. However, you might improve your chances of success and experience fewer stressful moments along the way when you have friends and family to rely on. When you’re feeling under pressure and want to reach for a cigarette, you can contact someone in your inner circle to distract you from your thoughts and urges. If you do experience a minor setback, you will also have a support network to help you get back on track.
Trying a New Hobby
Many people smoke when they wake up in the morning, when they’re bored, and during their breaks at work. It’s not always easy knowing what to do with your time now that you’ve quit smoking, but a new hobby might be the answer. Try something you’ve never done before, like scrapbooking, reading, puzzles, or listening to podcasts. If you can pass the time differently, you might find yourself thinking less about cigarettes during those pivotal moments.
Focusing On Health and Wellbeing
Smoking is bad for our health, and giving up the habit can be an opportunity for you to focus on improving your overall health and well-being. Start exploring nutritious food and creating new recipes at home, or you might even try a new exercise or sport that benefits both mind and body. Sports might even help you meet new people and feel more confident in yourself simultaneously.
Quitting smoking is one of the hardest changes you might ever make in life, but it can also be a worthwhile one. By taking some of the actions above, you might find it much easier than you thought possible to stamp out the habit for good.
