6 Reasons Why You Smoke and How to Deal With Them

There are a few reasons why people smoke. And these reasons are usually their own keys into quitting smoking. So before you set a quitting date, you may want to take some time to think about why you smoke. If you can achieve better understanding of your smoking habit and your different triggers, you’ll have a better view on how to avoid smoking and what kind of support you’ll need.

Below are some reasons why people smoke and how you can possibly deal with them.

Smoking gives you a “boost”. Most smokers would claim that smoking gives them energy and keeps them on the go. This is just a placebo. You feel tired hours after your last cigarette because your nicotine level starts to drop. Smoking delivers the required nicotine so your body feels normal again. Try doing other things to boost your energy like jogging, or listening to music.

Smoking keeps your hands occupied. You may not find this true but many smokers actually smoke because it keeps their hand occupied. But if this is true in your case, you can keep your hands busy by squeezing a stress ball, or doodling on a piece of paper, you can even pick the hobby of painting, or playing the Xbox might work for you.

Smoking makes you feel good. You may feel relieved, relaxed, or calm after lighting a few cigarettes, but these are simply momentarily. Once the nicotine level in your body drops down, you’ll feel the same anxiety and stress, and the cycle goes on. They don’t really go away. If you feel tired, get enough rest. If you feel stress, get to the bottom of the problem, and so on.

You’re addicted to smoking. Actually, it is not smoking that you’re addicted to, its nicotine. There are two types of nicotine addiction – physical and psychological. Both are very difficult to overcome but not impossible. You can find several smoking cessation therapies and prescription drugs (Chantix, Zyban, etc.) that are available to help you quit. Ask your physician about the available options.

Smoking is part of your daily routine. Try to identify these routines that trigger you to smoke. Is it drinking coffee in the morning, or perhaps after eating meals? You can avoid these routines to prevent you from lighting up. For instance, instead of drinking coffee, try milk. Not only does milk makes smoking undesirable to your taste, it is also good for your body. Also cleaning your car and throwing anything that can remind you of smoking can help in your effort.

Smoking prevents you from gaining additional weight. Majority of former smokers claim they gain extra weight after they quit. This is true because your body’s metabolism revert to normal. But proper and healthy lifestyle can easily address these changes. Daily exercise and healthy foods can help keep your weight gain at the minimum.

The bottom line is your success will depend on how deep your understanding is about smoking and nicotine addiction. If you can determine the factors that compel you to smoke, it will be much easier for you to address them, and device a method that can help you quit smoking for good.