If your New Year’s resolution included your wish to stop smoking, it is still not too late. Quitting smoking will definitely make you feel better, prevent some health problems and maybe you will discover some other habits like regular exercise.
It is always hard to start. One Monday passed.. then another one, and another. So lesson number one is that you need to start just about now. And you will figure out what works best for you as time passes.
Let’s explore some useful tips and tricks that can help you.
Avoid stressful situations and triggers
We all know that smoking is bad for our health, but it can be hard to break the habit. One way to help is to avoid stressful situations and triggers. Here are a few helpful tactics:
- Set realistic goals. If you want to quit smoking, don’t expect to do it overnight. Take your time and gradually work your way up to more difficult goals. This will make the process more manageable.
- Talk to someone about your plans. Talking with a friend or family member about your goals can help keep you on track. They may also have advice on how to overcome any obstacles you might encounter along the way.
- Get active. Regular exercise will help your joints remain healthy, as well as your muscle mass. It can also help you stay motivated when trying to quit smoking. Start by doing short bouts of exercise every day, and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable with quitting smoking.
Find alternatives
It will be hard at the beginning to get used to not holding a cigarette or enjoying the aroma of the cigarettes. It can make you nervous at the beginning. Yet, you can explore some not-so-damaging alternatives out there. That is where a nicotine free puff bar can help you.
You still can enjoy some great aromas and stop ingesting nicotine. This switch can help you make a switch in your head as well. It won’t seem so drastic.
Practice relaxation
Most people who smoke start because they’re stressed. Smoking is a way to relax and calm yourself down. However, this isn’t always the best thing. It will only give you a feeling of instant gratification… and you will feel the consequences later.. You can still try to relax by using some of these tactics:
- Take a bath – soaking in a relaxing tub can help you unwind after a long day.
- Meditate – practice mindfulness or another form of meditation to clear your mind and focus on your breath.
- Read a book or listen to music – taking some time out to enjoy something calming will help you relax.
Just keep in mind that you are doing this for your own wellbeing. There is a bigger goal for you, so skip that instant gratification part and do something for your health today.
