5 Ways To Successfully Quit Smoking

Smoking is a harmful habit that affects the health of millions of people worldwide. While quitting smoking may seem like a daunting task, it is achievable with the right mindset and support. Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems. Moreover, quitting smoking improves one's overall quality of life by increasing energy levels, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood. In this context, there are various ways to successfully quit smoking, such as nicotine replacement therapy, medication, counseling, and support groups. This article aims to explore some effective ways to quit smoking and live a healthier life.

# GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Scientific studies have proved that exercise (even a five-minute walk or stretch) is one of the best ‘quit smoking’ tips. It cuts cravings and may help your brain produce anti-craving chemicals. An intensive exercise program releases dopamine that can replace the one you used to get from cigarettes. Be sure to pick an exercise that you enjoy and consider exercising with a person who encourages you to keep going. Try taking up healthy exercises like running, cycling, swimming etc.

# TAKE DEEP BREATHS

Deep breathing is beneficial tool that will help you find your smoke-free way and relax you at the same time. Whenever you feel a craving, take a deep breath in and slowly let it out. It relieves stress when you are trying to quit smoking. The extra oxygen you inhale can help with your headaches and the feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness. Initially, it may be difficult but keep at it, it will soon become a part of you.

# MEDITATE TO QUIT SMOKING

Smokers mistakenly believe that cigarettes relieve stress. Once they start meditating, they will realise it. The de-stressing effects of meditation can reduce cravings for a cigarette, helping those who don’t even want to quit. Meditation is a great way to handle some of the psychological aspects of nicotine withdrawal.

# FIND REASONS TO QUIT SMOKING

Make a list of the reasons why you want to stop and refer to them when tempted to light up. Choose a reason that is strong enough to motivate you. It could be to protect your family from passive smoking. Or for a healthy lifestyle that is free from deadly diseases like cancer or stroke. Or to look more youthful etc. Consider how smoking affects every aspect of your life (health, appearance, lifestyle, loved ones and everything). Keep reminding yourself why you made the decision to give up.

# NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT)

There are various medicines that you can purchase without a prescription. Using NRTs (transdermal patches, tablets, lozenges, chewing gums, inhalers and a nasal spray) can double your chances of success. And if you feel like holding one, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are also available. They are designed to look and feel like normal cigarettes. Researches have shown that NRTs increase the rate of quitting by 50 to 70%.