Tips to Help Quit Smoking, Once and For All
You can’t deny it anymore. Nicotine fits, smelly breath, the fact that it costs a small fortune to support your smoking habit– not to mention a little thing like increased risk for cancer and heart disease — it’s just not worth it. Deep down you know you’d be so much better off quitting for good.
It’s a challenge, but you can do it. Here are some tips to help you get through it.
Exercise More
Want to help curb some of those nicotine fits? Exercise can help. When you exercise, your brain releases some of the chemicals that cigarettes once released in it: serotonin and dopamine. If you’re getting those chemicals through exercise you’ll have fewer cigarette cravings.
Keep Your Hands and Mouth Busy
A big part of the smoking habit is that you get used to holding a cigarette and puffing away. Instead of a cigarette, grab a carrot, a celery stick, or even a pretzel. This will keep your hands and mouth busy and help sooth you as you kick the habit.
Hang Out with Non-Smokers
Until you get a handle on your cravings, it’s a good idea to spend more time with friends who don’t smoke. If you do have friends who step out for a smoke, don’t go with them.
Keep a Smoke Jar
Instead of a swear jar, set up a smoke jar. Every day, drop in the money you would have spent on smoking into the jar. As you see the money pile up, you’ll be more motivated to stay off the cancer sticks.
Try Negative Reinforcement
Every time you feel the desire to smoke, try some aversion techniques. Smell something horrible, such as a bag full of the contents of your last full ashtray. You could also think of something positively revolting, like drinking a cup full of dirty ashes and broken cigarettes. Eventually, you’ll associate cigarettes with something disgusting.
Photo: Pixabay
