There are many reasons to quit cigarettes, not the least of which is improving your health.
The facts are in, smoking can cause serious damage to your health and even lead to cancer (tar contained in cigarettes is carcinogenic), so if you have not already decided to kick the habit, now would be a good time to make plans for a lifestyle change. Quitting may not be a walk in the park, as nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive and really hard to desist, but the resulting benefits will make it all worthwhile.
How to start stopping
We take some things for granted when we start smoking, like the fact that there are certain times when we have a stronger desire to light one up. After a meal, or first thing in the morning are just two of several key triggers for a cigarette. Look for alternatives for those times and begin to introduce them into your daily procedures, before the big day. You can find nicotine-coated chewing gums in chemist shops that can be handy in this respect. Although nicotine is present, the quantity contained is very less. Available in strengths of 4mg for persons smoking 25 or more cigarettes per day and 4 mg for smokers with less than 25 cigarettes per day, it reduces your urge to smoke gradually. You can use this therapy until you have completely given up the habit.
Stay healthy
One myth that seems to haunt most people who want to quit is the problem of gaining weight, but this can be avoided if healthy alternatives are introduced. There is a strong craving that comes with trying to move away from nicotine products, and most of us turn to food to keep us busy. Stock up and get ready to replace those cravings with fat free healthy foods.
Watch who you hang out with
The hardest thing to do is to quit smoking if you still intend on hanging out with smokers.
Misery loves company, but you don’t have to be there. Change some of your activities, like hanging out at the local bar, or following your co-workers outside when they head for a smoke break. You don’t necessarily have to give up your friends, but there is no reason to put yourself through unnecessary temptations.
Think about the money
If you need more reasons why you should quit smoking, how about the money you will be saving by doing so. Cigarette smoke has a tendency to cause problems other than our health, in fact cosmetically speaking, we age faster, our teeth end up stained and our fingers are not that far behind. Our clothes are constantly reeking of tobacco and our non-smoking friends want little to do with us.
It’s all about you
The most important thing to remember when you are ready to put cigarette smoking behind you, is that it needs to be your choice. Set milestone goals and remember to celebrate them when you get there. You don’t have to involve your friends in your decision, but support from others can make the job a whole lot easier.
I am Leo. I am a finance writer and presently writing on PPI claims. Do check my website or can follow me on financeport.
