It is a given fact that smoking can seriously damage your heart, lungs and brain over a matter of time. It is also a fact that smoking is quite addictive and quitting is no easy feat. If you are interested in becoming healthier and want to kick the nicotine habit, continue reading for some helpful hints.
First of all, it is best to wean off of cigarettes versus stopping cold turkey. Quitting cold turkey is quite difficult and many times ends in going back to cigarettes. Instead, lower the number of cigarettes you smoke each day until eventually you are not smoking any cigarettes at all. This has proven to be an effective way to quit smoking and can help you get used to the idea while your body gets used to functioning on less and less nicotine.
Support through this process is also helpful. Find friends and family members that are willing to be on your side while you are trying to kick the habit. You may even find some that have successfully quit and can give you words of wisdom. It is helpful, too, if your loved ones hold you accountable. If you feel like smoking, call one of your supporters and talk to them about it. Tell them about your feelings, and they can help fight the urge to light up that cigarette.
One thing that can help you beat the nagging cravings is to brush your teeth. When your teeth are nice and clean, it can make it easier to say no to a cigarette that will not only stain your teeth but also make your breath smell bad, too. When you feel a craving coming on, go brush your teeth and see if that will help you.
Another option is nicotine patches. Nicotine patches deliver nicotine to your body. This is a good way for you to taper off of nicotine without using any cigarettes at all. If you don’t have the money to purchase these patches, find out if your doctor will prescribe them and if your insurance covers them. They are costly, but the savings to your health and not having to buy cigarettes any longer can more than make up for their cost.
When you are first trying to quit smoking, try your best to avoid being around those that do smoke. It might be difficult for you to stop hanging out with a particular group of friends, but this can be quite helpful to you as you do not want their bad habits to influence you. Once you have quit and not smoked in a while, you will likely feel more comfortable around people who are smoking.
The nicotine in cigarettes and the actual habit of smoking are quite addictive. That doesn’t mean, though, that you can not be successful in your attempts to stop smoking. The benefits of quitting should motivate you to get nicotine out of your life. Use what you learned here and you can live a life that is healthier and happier.