Cigarette Smoking is injurious to health, even the packet says so. But still we do see people smoking around us. Almost all of them, at one point or another, make the wise decision of quitting and start the quitting program. Sadly, only a few sail through. If you are one of those few, you better pay attention to this article.
Quitting is one of the best actions you can take to improve your health. It takes courage to put down that last cigarette and quit smoking. If you have successfully achieved it, first of all Congratulations! The battle is half won.
The reason the battle is only half won is very simple. The first few weeks after quitting are usually the most difficult and many people crack under the pressure. It normally takes at least 8 to 12 weeks before a person starts to feel comfortable with their new lifestyle change. The reason for this addictiveness is nicotine. Nicotine creates a chemical dependency, as a result the body develops a need for a certain level of nicotine at all times. To overcome this dependency, you need to be in check with the things mentioned below:
- Impatience: Quitting is not a one time thing. It is a process of 8 to 12 weeks. So you are going to need a lot of patience. The easiest way to overcome it would be to not think about it at all. The more you think about it, the more are the chances of you being carried away with it.
- Neglecting yourself: Smokers start to neglect their health once they quit smoking because they feel very hopeless. Make sure you take care of yourself by having a proper diet and a regular exercise regime. Your body needs a well balanced and healthy diet to flush the toxins from cigarettes out of your system, and regular exercise is a good way to manage craving. Drink adequate water during the day. Also, make sure you get enough sleep as nicotine withdrawal can leave you feeling tired for a few weeks. Try to add a multi-vitamin to your diet during the first few months after quitting smoking as cigarettes may have depleted your body of many nutrients.
- Drinking alcohol: Quitters turn to alcohol to get their kicks. It is common sense that drinking alcohol can be as dangerous as smoking. Also, once you are down a few glasses, the urge to smoke increases. Don't put yourself in social situations where you will be forced to drink. The time will come when you can have a drink without it triggering the urge to smoke, but don't expect that to be within the first few month.
- Too much tension: The lack of nicotine plays games with your mind. You start thinking about the future and worry about the fact that you will pick up your next cigarette very soon. Slowly and steadily your will power starts declining and you eventually give in under the pressure. Don't worry about tomorrow; focus on the day you have in front of you. Also, do some stress-release exercises like yoga and meditation to calm yourself and take your mind off smoking.
- Negative attitude: A negative attitude is the crux of all the problems. It is more hurtful when you are trying to quit smoking. It makes you want to pick up that cigarette minutes after you have decided to quit smoking. The only way to overcome this challenge is to think more positive thoughts. Think about the rewards that you will reap once you are over smoking. More importantly, think about your health.
- Junkie thinking: Thoughts of smoking are common as you go through nicotine withdrawal. Some of the ways by which your mind tries to convince you to have just one cigarette include: "smoking make me more effective at work", "just one puff doesn't make a difference", "I am under a lot of stress, and smoking relaxes me", "I have already cut down to a safe level" etc. It's called "junkie thinking", and most quitters experience these urges to give in and smoke, especially during the first few months. But knowing what to expect and understanding that they are just another sign of a sudden craving will keep you in control. Go for a brief walk, take a hot bath, work on a hobby or talk to your friends to take your mind off.
- Not asking for help: You are human, you have the right to ask for help from other, that's how a society works. If you feel quitting is a daunting task, ask your friends and family for help. Statistics show that people who quit smoking with a healthy support system in place have a much higher rate of long-term success.
- Forgetting the purpose: By the end of the quitting program, the smokers become so lost that they forget why they wanted to quit. Always keep your goals and reasons for quitting in front of you; never forget them.
Please remember that smoking cessation is a process so it takes a lot of time. But remember, your life will improve a thousandfold when you have kicked tobacco out of your life.
