Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States—it kills nearly 500,000 people each year!
Not only does it increase your risk of stroke and heart disease, but it can also affect your lungs. In fact, it’s the number one risk factor for lung cancer.
By quitting smoking, you’ll be lengthening your life expectancy. It might take a bit of effort but it’s definitely possible.
Are you looking to quit cigarettes? Looking for some tips? Well then, you’re on the right page. Keep reading to learn more about the topic!
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Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a type of treatment that’s used for smoking cessation. Basically, it provides the body with low doses of nicotine so that you won’t experience any withdrawal symptoms.
Unlike cigarettes, it does not contain any of the toxins found in the smoke. Available in various forms (gum, spray, transdermal patch, inhaler), it can be highly effective at curbing tobacco cravings.
4 Tips on How to Quit Cigarettes
Quitting smoking can be a long process. Here are a few things that you can do to resist those tobacco cravings.
1. Avoid Triggers
Figure out what your smoking triggers are and avoid them. Some of the most common ones include stress, alcohol, driving, and social events.
For example, if you had a habit of smoking while you talked on the phone, occupy yourself with a pen and paper instead.
2. Exercise
Wondering what to do instead of smoking? How about exercise? Not only will it distract you from your cravings but it’ll also reduce their intensity.
Aerobic exercises such as running, walking, dancing, boxing, and swimming are particularly helpful. Studies have shown that they can decrease withdrawal symptoms for up to 50 minutes.
3. Seek Support
Get as much support as you can from the people around you. If your friends smoke, let them know that you’re quitting and ask them not to smoke around you.
In addition to that, there are social platforms or apps that you can use to connect with others like you. Smoking cessation counseling is an option as well.
4. Know Your Reasons For Quitting
Know your reasons for quitting; it’ll give you the motivation that you need to succeed. For example, some people choose to quit for their health while others do it for financial reasons.
Whatever your motivations are, make them clear. Consider writing them down on a piece of paper if you have to—that way, you can read it whenever you get an urge to pick up a cigarette.
Quitting Smoking For Good
And there we have it—four tips on how to quit cigarettes. As you can see, there are several things that you can do to stop smoking. If anything, you just need the right mindset!
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