We know that smoking is injurious to health. People who have been smoking for a long time and now wish to kick the habit have a lot of challenges. Occasional smokers can still resist smoking, but people who have been smoking pack-a-day for long can find quitting very difficult. If you are facing such a challenge, here we bring you some simple ways to quit smoking.
- Create a personal plan
To begin with, create a personal plan to stop smoking. Having a tailored plan will help you to stay on track. Such plans should be created, keeping in mind the short-term and long-term challenges. Consider your specific issues, needs, and smoking habits when creating this plan. It is the best and simple way to quit smoking. - Identify smoking triggers
Every person has some or other triggers that persuade him to smoke. If looking forward to quitting this habit, it is important to identify triggers that make you want to smoke. These can be a certain situation, feelings, activities, and people. Once these triggers are identified, you can try to stay clear of them. It is one of the most important elements and a part of simple ways to quit smoking. Once a person knows what makes him smoke, he/she will be more conscious about staying away from them. - Maintaining a craving journal
Smokers who wish to quit this habit can maintain a journal consisting of information that helps identify triggers and patterns. Keeping a journal will help you zero in on such issues and take note of things that needs to be avoided. Some common triggers that will find a way in this craving journal are alcohol, the company of other smokers, taking a drag after every meal, and so on. If one tries to distract themselves or stay away from these triggers or occupy themselves with something else, they can gradually work on his objective of quitting the dangerous habit. - Nicotine withdrawal symptoms coping mechanism
You will experience various psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms as soon as you earnestly start looking for ways to quit smoking. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms begin quickly, and at times, it starts as early as within an hour of the last cigarette. In some cases, it reaches its peak within 2-3 days of stopping to smoke. Depending on the individual, these symptoms can persist in a person from a few days to weeks. These symptoms include craving for a cigarette, frustration, irritation, anger, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, anxiety, increased appetite, and more.
You need to understand that these cravings do not last long, and by using these simple ways to quit smoking, you can curb this habit and take back control of your life.
