7 Best Ways to Quit Smoking

Despite the intense efforts to reduce smoking rates in America over the past two decades, tobacco use remains to be one of the major public health concerns. It is still the leading cause of lung cancer and a major risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and many other life-threatening diseases.

It’s not that all smokers want it. Actually, research shows that majority of these people want to quit. Unfortunately, among those who try, only a few succeed.

Breaking the habit of smoking can be challenging for some but it can be simple and easy for others. If you are among those who find it somehow difficult to get rid of smoking, then this article is for you.

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The following are regarded as the best ways to quit smoking because most successful quitters have used them. What’s more, these strategies are backed by scientific evidence.

1)  Know your reason. You won’t run out of reasons to quit smoking. Perhaps you already know that this addictive habit can significantly damage your health and the health of your loved ones. Be specific about your reasons. Print it if necessary and post it somewhere you can see each day. Try to choose the reason which is strong and powerful enough to outweigh your urge to light up.

2)  Ask about prescription pills. To ease withdrawal symptoms without using nicotine-containing quit aids, ask your doctor about prescription medications. There are pills that help reduce nicotine craving by acting on certain receptors in the brain. Not only that. These drugs help you quit by making smoking less and less pleasurable over time.

3)  Learn to manage stress. Some people think that smoking relieves stress because it’s what they hear from others. If you’re like most smokers, you turn to cigarettes when you are under stress. While nicotine gives you a mood boost, this effect is temporary and it has lasting consequences. Opt for health-friendly ways to ease stress. Try massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation.

4)  Go online. Research shows that smokers who use the internet technology to quit smoking have better chances of success than those who don’t use the internet. By simply going online, you can get access to numerous smoking cessation resources, blogs, communities and treatments.

DID YOU KNOW?

You were not born a smoker. Smoking is just an addiction you acquired somewhere, at some time in your life. Many smokers try several times before finally breaking free from cigarettes for good. If you failed in your first attempt, make an honest assessment of the strategies you tried and where you fell short. And always remember this – trying to quit is way better than not attempting at all.

5) Avoid your triggers. Certain things or activities might spark your urge to smoke. If you smoke while you drink, try cutting back on your alcohol consumption. If you smoke during coffee breaks, have some smoothie instead. Don’t allow yourself to be in situations where you will be tempted to smoke.

6) Don’t quit. Many smokers try several times before finally breaking free from cigarettes for good. If you failed in your first attempt, make an honest assessment of the strategies you tried and where you fell short. And always remember this – trying to quit is way better than not attempting at all.

7) Move, move and move. There’s overwhelming research on the benefits of exercise to smokers. Not only does it strengthen your immune system and help speed up your recovery from the harmful effects of tobacco. Regular exercise also helps you resist smoking urges.

You were not born a smoker. Smoking is just a habit you acquired somewhere, at some time in your life. It should not be too hard for you to quit. But if you are having troubles breaking free from this deadly habit, these best ways to quit smoking can help you.

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