What Are the Best Ways to Quit Smoking Cigarettes? | The African Exponent.
In 2021, 11.5% of American adults smoked cigarettes. While this number is decreasing as the years go by, it’s still too high, and the habit is causing serious health problems in the general population.
If you’re a smoker, then you already know the dangers of cigarettes. Many smokers actually want to quit, so there’s a good chance you do too.
Those who have tried quitting before already know how difficult it can be. So here are the best ways to quit smoking to help you out.
Quit Cold Turkey
This doesn’t work for many smokers, especially if they smoke often, and it’s been years of the habit. However, it’s always worth a try, as all it costs is your willpower.
It helps to set a goal. For instance, aim to stop smoking cigarettes when you run out of this pack. Or you can pick a date when you won’t smoke from then onwards.
If quitting cold turkey doesn’t work, then don’t be disheartened. Just try something else on this list!
Use Nicotine Replacements
There are over-the-counter replacements (i.e. patches, gums, lozenges), or you can get your doctor to prescribe a nasal spray or inhaler.
Either way, you’ll use the nicotine replacements and taper until you get to zero. At that time, you might find that you’re not craving a cig at all!
Switch to Vaping
On that note, if you’re looking for cigarette alternatives, then buying a vape can be useful. Something like the Yocan Regen allows you to satisfy your nicotine cravings without it being as harmful to your body.
You can then taper the levels of nicotine in your e-juices to slowly wean yourself off of nicotine.
Change Your Habits
Some people find that they smoke regularly because it’s part of their daily routine, not because they crave nicotine. For example, you might have a cigarette before you head to work, then again during your breaks, and before you head home.
If you’re only trying to keep busy, or you have an oral fixation, then some great alternatives are eating a small snack or popsicle.
Up Your Physical Activity
You don’t necessarily have to start working out hard at the gym (you can if you want to though). Simply going for a short walk can be enough to stave off cig cravings—just make sure you leave your pack at home.
When you do physical activity, this increases your heart rate and gets your blood flowing. Most importantly, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good hormones. This can make resisting cravings easier.
Try These Best Ways to Quit Smoking
These are some of the best ways to quit smoking, so your chances of success are high if you give them a try.
But just remember that it’s natural to slip up, so don’t beat yourself up if you sneak in a cigarette or two. The important thing is that you’re on a positive trajectory to better health!
To keep boosting your health and fitness, get some more advice by reading our informative blog articles.