Giving up smoking is a very demanding task. Most smokers develop certain habits that are hard to break or replace with an alternative, like smoking a cigarette during a morning coffee. That, however, is not the biggest challenge. Even after you manage to quit smoking as a part of your routine, you will still continue craving nicotine because of your body’s addiction to it.
Cigarette cravings go deep into the brain and are hard to tackle. Above all, the withdrawal symptoms are almost unbearable at the beginning. The best way to help yourself is to reduce their intensity, which you can do by starting a nicotine replacement therapy, doing exercise, avoiding triggers, reducing stress, or even asking your family and friends for support.
Trying to beat the urge to smoke on your own may require you to be very determined and self-motivated, and you will have to be ready to do whatever it takes to get rid of your addiction. Remember to remind you of your goal – a healthy and happy life without smoke.
Reduce Stress Levels
Stress is one of the biggest triggers for cigarette cravings. Many smokers feel the need to smoke when they feel overwhelmed or stressed. This is because smoking – or, more specifically, nicotine – can help calm the body and mind. This, however, is a temporary fix, and it’s not a good idea to rely on cigarettes to cope with stress.
There are a few ways to reduce stress levels, and one of them is exercise. Another is to practice some relaxation techniques, like yoga or meditation. You can also try to have some “me time” every day to do something that you enjoy. This can be something as simple as reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk.
Alternatively, you might consider taking CBD-based products – a natural remedy that has proven to aid in reducing stress and anxiety levels, as well as improving overall mood. When choosing CBD-based products, make sure to order from reputable manufacturers – for example, Kosher Blends CBD supplements that go through strict third-party lab testing.
Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy is an effective way to deal with your cravings. The great thing about NRT is that you don’t have to quit smoking cold turkey, which makes the transition a bit easier. There are two common delivery systems: the transdermal patch and the gum. The patch is usually recommended for heavy smokers, while the gum will be an optimal choice for those who smoke habitually.
With both of them, it’s important to remember that you still need to use them for some time after you stop feeling the craving. This is because nicotine replacement therapy can help reduce the intensity of the cravings and make it easier for you to resist the temptation to smoke, so it’s better to make sure you won’t come back for one more cigarette.
Develop an Exercise Routine
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress levels, and it can also help you quit smoking. It releases endorphins – “feel good” hormones that can help you deal with withdrawal symptoms. Exercise can also help you replace the habit of smoking with a new healthy one.
It’s important to find an exercise routine you enjoy, so you will be more likely to stick to it. You can go for a run, work out at the gym, take a dance class, or go for a walk. Just make sure you are getting your heart rate up and sweating.
Avoid Triggers
Certain things can trigger a cigarette craving, like drinking alcohol, being around other smokers, or feeling stressed. It’s essential to be aware of these triggers and try to avoid them. If you can’t avoid them, try to have a plan in place to deal with the craving.
For example, if you are going out drinking with friends, make sure you have some nicotine replacement on hand or a backup plan like going for a walk or chewing gum. And if you are approaching a stressful situation, try to take a few deep breaths and relax before dealing with it.
Ask Your Family and Friends for Support
Quitting smoking can be a difficult task, and it’s essential to have the support of your family and friends. They can help you through the tough times by providing encouragement and motivation. They can also help keep you accountable and make sure you are staying on track.
If you don’t feel like you can talk to your family and friends about your cravings, there are also support groups available. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where you can share your experiences and get advice from others going through the same thing. Sharing your achievements and struggles can also help keep yourself motivated!
To Sum Up
Quitting smoking is not easy, and it will require a lot of effort and determination. It’s important to remind yourself of your goal – leading a healthy and happy life without cigarettes. Keep these reasons in mind when you are feeling tempted to smoke, and use them as motivation to keep going.
Getting rid of your addiction to nicotine will not happen overnight, but it is definitely possible. You can do a few things to help reduce the intensity of your cravings, like using NRT, developing an exercise routine, avoiding triggers, and managing your stress levels – don’t forget to ask your family and friends for support too. Once you have kicked the smoking habit, you will be glad you did! Good luck!