Smoking is not the healthiest habit to maintain, as continued tobacco use can pave the way for dependence and a host of health problems. According to the American Lung Association, smokers had declined from 42.6 percent of adults in 1965 to 13.7 percent in 2018. This drastic fall illustrates the dire need to eliminate cigarettes for a healthier lifestyle. If you wish to quit smoking, All Health Medical Group is ready to walk with you every step of the way.
How do I quit smoking?
Thoughts of stopping smoking may have crept up on you a few times, but you never really took steps toward achieving that ending. Here is a stepwise guide to quitting smoking.
Know your reasons
It may sound arbitrary but understanding why you want to stop smoking is vital in this journey. List all the reasons that come to mind, and they should be meaningful, not just something you think sounds agreeable. For instance, scary messaging with sick lungs aims to deter smokers, but you may not fall for that gimmick. Instead, you can connect this to avoid lung cancer so you can be there for your family and enjoy the golden years.
When is your day to quit?
After deciding to quit smoking wholeheartedly, you must then select a date to commence this new journey. It should not be too soon, like tomorrow, as you are not ready yet. Also, the date you choose cannot be too far off in the future as it lacks a sense of urgency. If you are not keen to quit smoking sooner rather than later, it beats the purpose of the goal. Research surmises that sticking to a predestined date increases your chances of quitting permanently.
Identify your triggers
Knowing what generally leads you to open a pack of cigarettes is key to dealing with the core of the matter. Some people only smoke when they head out for drinks, others after a meal, when stressed out, and so forth. Identifying these patterns and how they bring about smoking will prepare you for the cessation process. For instance, finding better coping strategies for stress other than turning to tobacco for stress alleviation.
Find a support system.
Quitting in silence may not be productive and much less if you have been down this road before without yielding success. You can enlist your partner as an accountability coach so they can keep you in check when you have less drive to quit. Remaining with the program is the only way to bring your goals to fruition, and having a support system can get you there more accessible and faster.
Replacement habits
Your fingers are used to holding a burning cigarette, and you possibly cannot imagine a world where that simple act does not happen without triggering guilt. Finding something equally as good or at least offering joy will ease the process of letting go. For example, reaching for cinnamon sticks to chew on and savor the flavor or eating carrot sticks for their nutritional value.
Smoking cessation is not tricky when approached systematically. Qualified experts will take you through the process, offering immense support even during bad days.