Be SMOKE-FREE in 2016! The best Quit-Smoking Tips EVER!

Category : Health | Written by : Iris Pohl

Not sure how to quit smoking cigarettes? Try one of these ways to stop smoking and start your path towards a healthier, smoke-free life. Stop smoking to start your year off right!

 

Here are a few reasons to quit:

  • Chances of having cancer, heart attacks, stroke, and other diseases will go down
  • You will be less likely to get sick
  • You will get more energy
  • You will breathe easier and cough less
  • Your blood pressure will go down
  • You will sleep better
  • Your skin will look healthier and you will look more youthful
  • Your teeth will get wither and your fingernails will not be stained anymore
  • You will have more money to spend
  • You will be able to smell food, flowers, and other things better
  • You will protect your friends and family from the dangers of secondhand smoke

 

How to quit:

# Avoid Alcohol and other Triggers

When you drink coffee or alcohol, it’s harder to stick to your no-smoking goal. So try to limit these beverages when you first quit. If you usually smoke after meals, find something else to do instead, like brushing your teeth, taking a walk, or chewing gum.

 

# Nicotine-Replacement Therapy

If the craving for nicotine is too strong, nicotine replacement therapies may help. Gum, lozenges, and patches are available over-the-counter. Nasal sprays and inhalers require a prescription.

 

# Chew

If you keep your mouth busy you will have less time to smoke. Try chewing gum or munching on a carrot, celery or nuts. This will leave you more satisfied.

 

# Get some quitting support

Studies show that we smoke more when we are with other smokers. Your social circles need to know that you want to quit so talk about your decision. Stay at a distance from people who smoke while they do so. Maintaining this distance will help you avoid cravings.

 

# Clean your House

Once you’ve quit smoking, wash any clothes that smell like smoke, clean your house and toss away all your ashtrays and lighters. Use air fresheners to get rid of that familiar smell. If you smoked in your car, clean it out, too. You don’t want to see or smell anything that reminds you of smoking.

 

# Get Moving

If you already have a daily exercise routine, perfect. Keep it up. If not, start now. Why? Being active can curb nicotine cravings and ease some withdrawal symptoms. So, when you want to reach for a cigarette, put on your jogging shoes instead. Even light exercise helps, such as walking your dog. Get out for a 15 minute walk around the block when you’re feeling edgy and you’ll come back refreshed and relaxed.

 

# Stress less
Many people smoke more to cope with the amount of stress they have. Try to avoid stress and adopt stress management techniques such as yoga and meditation. You can also spend your free time pursuing hobbies which leave you with little time to smoke.

 

# Don’t have “just one“

You might be tempted to have just one cigarette to satisfy a tobacco craving. But don’t fool yourself into believing that you can stop at just one. More often than not, having just one leads to another, and you may end up using tobacco again.

 

# Try Again and Again

If you light up, don’t get discouraged. Many people try several times before giving up cigarettes for good. Instead, think about what led to your relapse, such as your emotions or the setting you were in. Use it as an opportunity to step up your commitment to quitting. Once you’ve made the decision to try again, set a “quit date” within the next week.

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Author:

Iris Pohl

Fitness & Nutrition Expert | Licensed Sports Nutritionist | Certified Sports Journalist | TV Presenter

Iris loves encouraging others reaching their fitness goals and starting an active, healthy lifestyle. Her mission is to help women of all ages create a healthier, sexier, stronger, body and mind.


“Start. And keep going."