If You Love Someone, Take Care of Them Series: Tips on How to Quit Smoking for World No Tobacco Day
Since it is World No Tobacco Day, I’m giving you some tips on how to quit smoking for your own, and your loved ones’, health.
The most important part of quitting an addiction is determination. If you have a clear goal, you’re more likely to succeed. For example, set a timeframe, like in two weeks, or find a motivation, like quitting as a gift for your child’s birthday.
Take your time to adjust to your new routine. The first steps are always the hardest to take and you may find yourself craving cigarettes more than ever. If you give in to your cravings, you may even smoke more than usual. So I suggest carrying some chewing gum or lozenges to replace the habit of smoking. Chew a piece of gum or have a lozenge whenever you crave a cigarette. These days there are even nicotine chewing gums especially for people wanting to quit smoking. Just be strong and remember you’re doing this for yourself and your loved ones. Avoid the places you used to smoke, or the time you normally did. Habits run deep and you may give in to that if you keep going to the same places. Try going outside for a walk or to take in the fresh air instead.
Drink water. A lot of water. It is suggested that people trying to quit smoking should drink at least 10 glasses of water, or two litres, a day. Water will flush out the toxins and make you feel fresh.
Lime slices are a good choice to replace your nicotine craving. Cut limes into thin slices and put them in your mouth whenever the craving kicks in. The key is to slowly savour the sour taste of the lime and the bitter taste of its zest to let them replace the nicotine craving.
Exercise. Do it for at least 30 minutes daily. Exercise strengthens your lungs and can help you sweat out the frustration and the toxins.
Get prescription drugs or nicotine replacements. There are many medicines available that can curb the cravings. In Thailand, this usually comes in the form of chewing gums and nicotine patches that contain small amounts of nicotine. There are also pills, like Bupoprion and Varenicline (this one isn’t available in Thailand yet). You can get nicotine patches and chewing gum at your local drugstore, but the pills have to be prescribed by a doctor. There can be some side effects and other cautions for people with certain illnesses such as heart disease and epilepsy.
Remind yourself a lot why you are doing this. Whenever you crave cigarettes, think of your goal. You will also need to lean on the people around you. Quitting smoking requires encouragement, strength and determination. It’s easy to get addicted to cigarettes but hard to quit, but it’s not impossible. Wanting to quit is a good enough start. Try these tips and you’ll find that your willpower and discipline can lead to great things. Quitting smoking is not simply wishful thinking.
Quitting smoking is not a dream that cannot be reached. And it’s not difficult at all
Studies show that going cold turkey is more likely to be successful than decreasing the number of cigarettes little by little. So if you’re truly determined, I think you should just go for it.
It is hard, but not impossible. Do it for the people you love.
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