Do you want to live a long and healthy life? The time might have come to banish traditional cigarettes from your life for good. Unfortunately, kicking the bad habit is often easier said than done, as you may be struggling with a nicotine addiction. To help, we are providing seven effective ways to quit smoking.
- Cold Turkey
Cold turkey is one of the most popular ways to quit smoking, and it’s unfortunately one of the most difficult methods, too. Those suffering from nicotine withdrawals can be irritable and moody, which can make the experience generally unpleasant. However, once the withdrawal symptoms pass, you can embark on a healthier lifestyle that could add years onto your life.
- E-Cigarettes
If the thought of a nicotine withdrawal sounds unappealing, you should consider e-cigarettes that have helped many people quit smoking over the years. The e-cigs will allow you to control your nicotine levels, which you can reduce over time until you no longer need to smoke. What’s more, e-cigarettes will not include the harmful smoke that makes traditional cigarettes so bad for your health. Click for more information on e-cigarette starter kits.
- Behavioural Therapy
Behavioral therapy requires you to work alongside a counselor to identify your smoking triggers, such as certain emotions that cause you to smoke. Together you will both create a plan to push through the cravings and find different ways not to smoke.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy
There are various nicotine replacement therapy products you can try to quit smoking. For instance, you can buy nicotine patches, gum, sprays, inhalers or lozenges. As a result, your body will receive the nicotine without tobacco. They often work best when combined with behavioural therapy.
- Prescription Medications
If you’re unsure about the best treatment to try to quit smoking, we recommend talking to a doctor, who can provide the guidance you need to quit those harmful cigarettes. A doctor may also provide a prescription medication to help you quit, such as Bupropion or varenicline. The prescribed medications could potentially prevent cravings and may alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
- Start Exercising
There is more to exercise than losing weight and building muscle. Another big benefit of physical activity is that it could help you to stop smoking. Scientific studies have discovered that as little as five minutes of walking can cut your cravings, as your brain will produce an anti-craving chemical. So, whenever you’re tempted to pick up a cigarette, go for a walk instead.
- Write a Quitting List
There is probably more than one reason why you want to quit smoking. We therefore recommend writing all the motivations down. For example, you might want to stop smoking so you can live long enough to watch your children or grandchildren grow up, or you might want to save a considerable amount of money each month. So, whenever you want to smoke, you should simply pull out your list to remind yourself why you want to quit.