Tips on how to quit smoking
Like any addiction, smoking can be overcome with patience and perseverance. But first of all, congratulations for deciding to quit smoking. That’s the single most important step. Your family, especially your kids, would be very glad to see you finally standing your ground against smoking.
Nicotine, the drug that is found in cigarettes, is highly addictive like cocaine or heroin. It gives you a pleasant feeling and acts like a depressant that slows down the flow of information between nerve cells. That makes it very hard to quit and stay smoke-free, as your body gets accustomed to effects it gets from nicotine.
Contrary to popular belief, nicotine does not affect your lungs alone. The drug can be found throughout your body, from your saliva to breast milk to vaginal secretions. It has been proven that smoking can cause lung cancer and heart disease, but to name a few, mouth, nasopharyngeal, esophageal, stomach, breast, colon, and cervical cancer are also related to smoking.
So, quitting is really a good idea but it is not easy. Yes once you stop or even cut down on smoking, you will have symptoms may be experienced within a few hours after your last cigarette and peaks 2-3 days later. They are
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Feelings of anger and frustration
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares)
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Increased appetite
- Irritability
- Uneasiness (difficulty concentrating)
According to the American Cancer Society, benefits from smokers who quit can be seen within minutes. Your heart rate and blood pressure drops within 20 minutes. Conditions brought about by smoking, such as premature wrinkling of the skin, bad breath, stained teeth, gum disease, and yellow spots on your fingers will slowly correct themselves. Your sense of smell and taste will improve.
With proper support from professionals, friends, and family, surely you’ll be able to quit smoking for life.
Stop Smoking: 5 Day Countdown
5 Days Before your Quit Smoking Date
- Think about your reasons for quitting.
- Tell your friends and family you are planning to quit.
- Stop buying cigarettes.
4 Days Before your Quit Smoking Date
- Pay attention to when and why you smoke.
- Think of other things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette.
- Think of habits or routines to change.
3 Days Before your Quit Smoking Date
- What will you do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes?
- Think of who to reach out to when you need help.
2 Days Before your Quit Smoking Date
- Buy a nicotine patch or nicotine gum.
- Or see your doctor to get a nicotine inhaler, nasal spray, or non-nicotine pill.
1 Days Before your Quit Smoking Date
- Put away lighters and ashtrays.
- Throw away all cigarettes and matches.
- Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.
Quit Day
- Keep very busy.
- Remind family and friends that this is your quit day.
- Stay away from alcohol.
- Give yourself a treat, or do something special.
No comments yet.