How to Quit Smoking in 5 Simple Steps
How to Quit Smoking in 5 Simple Steps
Smoking is an addiction that has been hurting humans for a long time. Learn 5 simple techniques to put an end to this problem forever.
We are living at a time when people are addicted to intoxicants in an unprecedented manner. Though the reasons can be many, the outcome of all addictions remains the same, harm to both physical and mental health. Let’s define addiction and then look at how to quit smoking in 5 simple steps.
What is addiction
If we are to talk about addictions specifically, there seems to be one of them that, from time immemorial, has been keeping a large number of people hooked. Not only is it dangerous physically, but it also enervates a person mentally. Yes, we are talking about an addiction called smoking.
Smoking as an addiction is not only difficult to quit, but it also gives withdrawal effects to those who have fairly managed to reach halfway through their quitting journey. Moreover, it is a herculean task to quit it through the cold turkey method you need special strategies to overcome the addiction.
In this article, you will see five simple yet highly effective strategies to beat the addiction to smoking that you will be able to ace quickly. What is just required from you is a bit of self-introspection and then self-discipline to put these tips into action. So, let us get started,
1. Find Out Your “Why”
Before you even think about the strategies, you have to ask yourself why do you want to quit smoking? This is because there will be times when you feel like quitting and this is the moment where your willpower will be tested. If you have a great reason to quit, your temptations won’t be able to get the better of you.
Take some time out, go into a quiet place and think why do you really want to stop smoking? Once you figure out you’re why it will be a matter of time before you bid goodbye to this habit.
2. Get Rid of Stress
Have you noticed a common thing about smokers? They tend to pull out their cigarettes, only when they are around certain situations or when they are hit by a trigger. The biggest of all triggers is stress, and smokers seem to fumble in this specific area only. This is why it is so important for smokers to eliminate chronic stress from their life.
Consider practising meditation for at least 20 minutes a day, which helps significantly to have control of your emotions. Through meditation, you become a watcher of your thoughts and it ensures that you don’t get influenced by the triggers.
3. Keep Your Hands Busy
The problem with triggers is that it will force you to quickly pull out a cigarette, especially when you are doing nothing. As we have already talked about tackling triggers, we now need to see how you can keep your hands busy.
The best way you can keep your hands occupied is by having something to hold. If you are in the office working, you can use a hard squeeze ball, which is also a brilliant tool to get rid of stress, Another technique of
4. Don’t Be Afraid of Relapse
The process of quitting smoking is a journey that involves a lot of “starting from scratch”. You’ve got to be willing to accept relapses, which is completely normal for an addiction like smoking. In fact, through relapses, you will be getting to know where you are going wrong and hence, will be able to rectify it further.
So instead of beating yourself up for the relapse next time, try going out for a walk which will give you a sense of calmness. Also, surround yourself with good network peers who can motivate you back to your best mindset, after you have encountered relapses.
5. Use Substitutes to Escape the Misery of Withdrawal Symptoms
Do you know what is one of the worst parts of quitting smoking? The withdrawal symptoms one gets after going through a brief hiatus of no smoking. More than the craving, it is the anxiousness and restlessness that gets the better of smokers who are in the process of quitting.
One of the best ways to prevent withdrawal symptoms is by using healthier alternatives to quit smoking. This is because the substitutes you use in place of cigarettes will have the provision to fight the nicotine cravings, which will effectively counteract the withdrawal effects.
In Brief,
So you have just seen five simple ways on how you can permanently bid adieu to the habit of smoking. Though you may face several relapses along your way, you mustn’t lose heart. The key to overcoming cigarette addiction is persistence and having the self-discipline to do those things which you hate to do. If you can assure this much, success shall be yours.
Featured photo by Шишкина Светлана
