Smoking cessation is one of top New Year’s resolutions for Americans. It’s no secret the amount of damage caused by tobacco and the toxins found in cigarettes. Yet, quitting can feel downright impossible, especially if you’ve been smoking for nearly your entire life. The Surgeon General recommends that you quit smoking using the START method:
Set a quit date.
Tell friends and family members you intend to quit.
Anticipate and plan for the challenges ahead.
Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from the house.
Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit.
Your doctor may recommend nicotine replacement therapy products like nicotine patches or nicotine gum to help you fight the initial physical effects of withdrawal, without exposure to harmful tars and toxins associated with smoking. Doctors can also prescribe non-nicotine medication like Zyban or Chantix for short-term use.
There are many methods to quit smoking, including:
- “Cold turkey” where you smoke absolutely no cigarettes whatsoever.
- Systematically decreasing the number of cigarettes you smoke.
- Using nicotine replacement therapy to get through the first few weeks.
- Trying hypnosis, acupuncture, or cognitive behavioral therapy.
To be successful with any of these strategies, you’ll need a certain level of introspection.
- What are your triggers?
- Are you a social smoker?
- Do you smoke when you drink?
- Do you smoke around meal-time?
- Is your smoking linked to work-related stress?
- Are you a habitual smoke-while-you-drive type person?
To defeat cravings, try the following techniques:
- Keep your body busy by walking or exercising.
- Keep your mind busy by reading or listening to music.
- Keep your mouth busy by chewing gum or eating candy, celery, carrots, or seeds.
- Drink lots and lots of water to flush toxins out and speed up your recovery.
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| Article: Jennn Fusion Twitter: @jennnfusion |
