The number of people smoking cigarettes has dropped significantly as it is proven to be better for your health not to smoke cigarettes. Below are 5 of the top tips for you to quit smoking cigarettes and improve your health.
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1. Exercise
Many health gurus and medical journals have all noted the ability to exercise away from the urge to smoke, and whilst doing this, you can get your lungs into better shape. The lungs start repairing themselves immediately when you stop smoking, and in time the accumulated tar can be removed from the body. In several weeks you should notice an improvement in your breathing, which will only improve further with exercise.
You must ensure, however, that you don’t run before you can walk, take it slowly and even a 10- 15 minute daily walk will be good to start the process. The idea is to build both strength and fitness over time but also to take the mind off the physical act of smoking.
2. Find a Hobby
Having something that you like to do with your time will go a long way to assisting you to quit smoking. Many people smoke more because they are bored, and then smoking becomes a central part of how they spend their time. So, having something else to do is critical for a quit plan. It is worthy of note, though, that a hobby that increases stress or is situated in an environment where others are smoking may not be the best bet.
3. Use a Nicotine Replacement
The main reason that people smoke is that they are addicted to nicotine. This is a physical reality for smokers, and as such, the medically accepted route to giving up the habit and overcoming the addiction is to wean yourself off the nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy in the form of nicotine patches, gum, and vaping with nicotine e-liquid provides the body with the required doses of nicotine but without the harmful and poisonous chemicals in tobacco smoke. These are strategies recommended by the medical profession as less harmful than cigarette smoking, and the idea is that you will be able to reduce the nicotine and thus the reason for the chemical addiction as you progress.
With the number of vape shops on the increase and a wider range out there than ever before, you need to be careful with your choice. As with everything, ensure that your NRT is from a reputable supplier. A good example is Superior Vapour for vape kits and quality vaping supplies. Keep in mind that a combination of NRT has proven more successful than using a single product.
Some of the nicotine replacement therapies are also available on prescription from healthcare providers, so do your research carefully.
4. Use the NHS App or a Similar one Based on Where you Live
The NHS has a great free app called Smokefree to help you quit smoking. It provides daily reminders and helpful hints on a 4-week program, proven to produce results. It is highly recommended and has been localized, in that each local GP’s surgery can support you through the program should you require additional support.
Using the App will be like walking this journey with a friend or someone who has been through it before and who understands the medical perspective of quitting. There are also numerous Facebook groups and other apps that can be downloaded and used. Just make sure that these are free and have been reviewed by others like you who have now quit.
5. Keep Positive and Keep trying. It’s Worth it
This is something that you can do. Yes, it will be tough, and the cravings may be both physically and mentally draining, but the end goal is worth it. You will need a significant amount of willpower to get you through this, and remaining positive is the only way your mind will help you achieve this goal. Several quit strategies use meditation, emphasizing the importance of your state of mind as you embark on this challenge. You must be up for it mentally, as the chemical cravings will play havoc with your mood and your mind.
Just keep remembering and reminding yourself why you want to quit in the first place.
It’s a lot easier said and written than done, but it’s worth a try, you’ve nothing to lose. Your health is worth more to you than anything else out there, so make sure that you do your best to keep it.