How many of you have been wanting to stop smoking and have now decided that this is your year to do it? If quitting smoking is one of your new year’s resolutions, then kudos to you!
To support your healthy mindset and help make this your year of health, we have put together a list of expert tips and tricks to stop smoking for good!
Giving up smoking isn’t easy. Smoking tobacco is not only a physical addiction, but it is also a psychological habit. The nicotine from smoking cigarettes gives you a temporary and addictive high. When you eliminate this ‘fix’ you will experience some incredibly uncomfortable cravings and withdrawals.
Here’s something to keep in mind when a craving for a cigarette strikes…
The craving will most likely pass within 5 to 10 minutes. Every time you resist the craving, you get one step closer to stopping smoking for good.
Here’s how to stop smoking
1. Find a reason to quit
You need to have a meaningful reason to stop smoking to keep you motivated during the period of withdrawals. It could be to live a longer and healthier life for the sake of your loved ones. It could be to lower your chances of serious diseases such as lung cancer or heart disease. Maybe you want to get fit and feel healthy and young again.
Perhaps you want to save money on medical aid or health insurance, as these forms of healthcare coverage might charge higher premiums if you are a smoker since your risk of needing medical care is higher.
Find your reason to stop smoking, write it down and stick to it.
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2. Chat with your doctor
Once you have decided to quit and have told your friends and family about your plans to do so (this will act as a motivating factor knowing you have people depending on your strength to quit), then you should chat with your doctor.
Stopping cold turkey is not always recommended without some form of medical intervention such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy. These forms of treatment can help curb your cravings. Studies have also shown that nicotine lozenges, patches and gum can improve your chances of success.
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3. Avoid your triggers
Perhaps your first trigger for a cigarette is your coffee in the morning. Maybe it’s your first break at work or being in a social setting having a few drinks with friends.
Instead of having a smoke with your morning coffee, go for a walk or a run. Avoid social settings for a few weeks and any other situations where you might be tempted to light one up.
The trick is to break the habits that might make you crave a cigarette and replace them with healthier ones.
And remember, there is no such thing as “just one.”
4. Get active
There’s nothing quite like the wake-up call you get from exercise (out of breath, body shakes, heavy breathing etc.) and the impact it has on a smoker’s lungs. Exercising will make you realise how smoking has taken a toll on your body, giving you even more motivation to quit.
The natural endorphins released during exercise will also give you the “high” you need to beat the cravings.
And it’s not just about going to the gym once a day. Get moving the moment you feel a craving coming on. Do 10 squats when you crave a smoke. Run up and down the stairs. Jog on the spot.
You’ll be surprised at how much these short bursts of exercise can take your mind off smoking.
A good action plan is to set a goal for yourself. Perhaps it’s running a 5km race or cycling 30km. Whatever it is, mark it down in your diary and ensure you put the right steps into place to help you achieve this goal.
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5. Practise relaxation techniques and don’t forget to reward yourself
Yoga, meditation, deep breathing, pilates and other forms of relaxation will help calm your mind and distract you from cravings.
Deep breathing is especially beneficial when you’re at work or on the go and feel the urge to smoke.
And of course, don’t forget to reward yourself for your progress. Give yourself a pat on the back for going another day without smoking. Book a massage, a spa day, a pedicure or something special after going a week without a cigarette.
Tell your friends and family and celebrate every week you go without smoking. Celebrating your achievements will help cement your commitment to staying smoke-free and give you the motivation you need to keep going.
Remember why you decided to stop smoking and never doubt how strong your mind is when it comes to controlling your urges.
Yours in affordable health insurance,
Oneplan
