Giving Up the Habit? Try These 4 Smart Tips to Quit Smoking

For most people, quitting smoking can be a long, arduous journey. However, the benefits it provides will make it worthwhile. As a starting point, friends, family, and colleagues are likely to find your company more pleasant once that stale tobacco aroma no longer lingers! And by quitting smoking, you will soon start to notice the positive effects on your health. Very importantly, quitting smoking will significantly reduce the risk of several severe health conditions. So, if you are ready to make that commitment and get permanent freedom from your current cigarette habit, follow these four smart tips to quit smoking.

1.  Try A Nicotine Replacement Product

There are many different types of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products including gum, patches, lozenges, inhalers and sprays, and e-cigarettes,  commonly known as vapes. These products all contain nicotine but not the range of other chemicals that are so damaging to health.

However, research shows that vapes containing nicotine are twice as effective as nicotine patches and gums when it comes to assisting smokers in quitting cigarettes according to an article by Public Health England. (PHE)

In the same article, PHE states:

“For anyone who smokes, particularly those who have already tried other methods, we strongly recommend they try vaping and stop smoking – ideally with additional support from their local stop smoking service for the very best chance of quitting for good.”

E-cigarettes and vapes do not burn tobacco. Other than that, they also do not produce carbon monoxide or tar – two elements that can cause considerable damage to your health.

Thus, if you are thinking about switching to vaping, there are several flavours and nicotine strengths available.

If you are trying to quit, you might be tempted to try tobacco-flavoured e-juices. However, if you’re looking for a refreshing flavour, try something with a citrus or berry flavour, like the Blue Razz Vape.

There is a wide variety of vape flavours available; try different ones until you find the one that works for you.

If you have a health condition, contact your physician regarding nicotine replacement therapy.

2. Look for Help on the Internet

An African proverb says:

 “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

Quitting smoking is a lifestyle change. You are more likely to stick to your plan if you connect with people with the same goal on social media.

More and more people are turning to the internet to find support. Whether you are looking for advice, support, reminders, or motivation for quitting smoking, you can find it all online.

Follow and engage with individuals with the same objectives as you. There are several blogs, Facebook groups and pages, Twitter accounts, Reddit subreddit and other forums where you can find smokers wanting to quit.

These social media/online options can also be effectively used in conjunction with the NHS Stop Smoking Service. Click this link to find a free local service near you.

3. Look for Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Many people indulge in destructive coping mechanisms to deal with stress, depression, and anxiety.

Smoking can be a temporary fix; however, it can have several adverse effects on your physical health.

Instead of smoking, adopt healthy coping mechanisms that can help you relieve stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, exercising, yoga, walking, journaling, listening to music, and more. You can even reduce stress and anxiety with your food choices!

4. Remind and Reward

Quitting smoking can be a long journey; going cold turkey does not work for everyone.

If you get the urge to smoke, write down some affirmations to remind yourself of why you are doing this and how far you have come, such as:

“I’m taking care of myself.”

“I am preventing my loved ones from second-hand smoke.”

“My health is getting better.”

“I am saving money.”

“I am in better shape now.”

If you are able to resist the urge, reward yourself: buy yourself a small gift or celebrate a milestone with your loved ones.

In the end, remember that it is never too late to quit smoking – just take it one day at a time!