Best Tips to Stop Smoking and Breathe Easier

Best Tips to Stop Smoking and Breathe Easier

Anyone who has quit smoking will tell you it is one of the hardest things they have done. However, there are a few tips and steps to remember that will not only make it easier, but also kick the habit for good. 

Find an Alternative

The first thing you should do is look for an alternative. Whether it is a vape, nicotine pouches, gum, or a spray, your first step is to stop smoking cigarettes, not necessarily quit nicotine completely. 

Don’t forget that your body is not only addicted to nicotine but also to smoking as a whole, and while quitting both at the same time works for some, it can be incredibly difficult for others.

Understand Your Triggers

You also need to take the time to understand what triggers your need to smoke. For most people, it is usually stress, but there are also those who smoke when they have been drinking or when they have a cup of coffee. 

When you want to quit, you need to manage or avoid these triggers. It is going to be even more difficult to quit smoking if you are constantly in positions that lead to you to do it. 

Set a Quitting Schedule

A great way to track your progress and keep you motivated is to set a quitting schedule. Another problem many people face is saying something like, “I can’t do it this week, I already have so much on my plate,” or something similar. This, more often than not, simply leads you to delay your quitting journey. 

Instead, mark a date on your calendar and work towards that. You can also add smaller goals, such as having only 5 cigarettes per day for one week, then 4 the next, and so on. 

Use a Timer

Another small tip is to set timers for when you can smoke. The main problem with smoking is that it is often a mindless activity, and we do it without thinking. This can easily lead to you smoking far more cigarettes per day than you may have wanted to. 

With a timer, you can not only limit how much you smoke, but also prevent it from becoming something you do without thinking. You can set the timer to have one cigarette every two or three hours, or one before and one after work; it is up to you. 

Break Smoking Habits

As mentioned previously with regards to triggers, many of us smoke while doing a certain thing because that is just part of the activity. For instance, those who always smoke with their morning coffee or during their work breaks. 

Instead, switch the activity up to break the habit. For example, instead of coffee, have a tea or a cold drink. Instead of going to your usual spot for lunch at work, head to a cafe or somewhere you can’t smoke. While this will take time, it will slowly break the habits you have that lead to smoking. 

Distractions

Cravings will be one of the most difficult things to deal with, whether it is day one of quitting, or three months in. Because of this, you need to find a way to distract yourself and break your craving, as it will eventually go away if you take the right steps. 

One of the best ways to do this is to exercise. Whether it is going for a quick jog, doing some push-ups in your office, or doing a 10-minute yoga session, exercise has been shown to be the best way to fight off cravings in both the short and long term. 

Activities for Stress

Stress is often one of, if not the main reason, many people struggle to stop smoking. It is an easy go-to activity that will give you some release, and stress is also often the main reason people can’t quit, as they haven’t found other coping tools that work as well. 

Because of this, it is best to start finding ways to handle daily stress without resorting to smoking. This can be reading, journaling, meditation, going for walks, etc. Find what works for you and stick with it. 

Have a Support System

Quitting is easier when you don’t do it by yourself, and this is for two main reasons. Firstly, having people support you on your journey will keep you in a positive frame of mind and help you deal with your stress in a healthy way. 

Secondly, if you are the only one keeping yourself accountable, then it is very easy to slip up and justify it. When you have people around you holding you accountable, it becomes easier to stick to your goal. 

Be Patient

Finally, be patient. As mentioned at the beginning, smoking is one of the hardest habits to break, and it will take time. Don’t get discouraged if you are a month or two into quitting and still haven’t kicked the habit completely. Making improvements every day is a positive change and one you shouldn’t ignore. 

Additionally, you will slip up from time to time, and if you do, not letting cigarettes take over your life again is a massive win.

Guest Article.