More Tips on Kicking the Smoking Habit
In various previous posts we have shared tips on how to quit smoking, something that smokers have admitted is easier said than done. We think it is prudent, however, to follow that up with additional tips, realizing that there are still smokers out there who are still trying to kick their nicotine habit.
A feature on WebMD shares some of these tips.
Nicotine-Replacement Therapy. One of the things that make quitting smoking difficult is experiencing nicotine withdrawal, which makes smokers end up feeling frustrated and irritable, among other reactions, and craving desperately for even just one drag. Nicotine-replacement therapy may help in this area. Those who are trying to quit smoking may turn to nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches, in conjunction with an intensive behavioral program.
Consider prescription pills. Those who would rather not have anything with nicotine, in their journey towards being cigarette-free, may ask the doctor about prescription pills. There are medications that can help lessen cravings, make smoking less satisfying, or help ease withdrawal symptoms such as depression.
Find alternative ways to relieve stress. Some smokers turn to the cigarette to relieve stress. So what do you do when you take the cigarette away? The feature suggests turning to other ways to relieve stress, such as regular massages or listening to relaxing music. It is also advisable to steer clear from stressful situations in the first few weeks when one is trying to quit smoking.
Avoid smoking triggers. We just mentioned avoiding stress when you’re trying to smoke, and we would like to extend that advice to anything that may trigger the urge to smoke, such as alcohol or coffee. Another common trigger is eating very rich meals, so opt for lighter meals instead. For those who usually smoke after meals, since you can’t very well stop eating altogether, it will help to find something else to do after eating, such as brushing your teeth or chewing gum.
Tags: how to quit smoking, quit smoking, stop smoking, tips to stop smoking
