Everyone has their journey when trying to quit smoking. But overall, withdrawal symptoms are common to almost everyone.
In some cases, some people can feel more than others. However, it doesn’t matter how many withdrawal symptoms you experience. You just have to remember that they will pass, and there are healthy ways to deal with it.
This article will show you the main symptoms and how to handle them. Stay with us!
5 main effects of quitting smoking
Here are some of the main withdrawal symptoms and how to cope with them.
Urges or cravings
You can experience cravings within hours or days after quitting smoking. Some people may feel the urge to smoke a few months or years after stopping.
However, they are expected at the beginning of the quitting process and will get away more and more until they stop altogether.
To help with this process, you can try to motivate yourselves by remembering why you decided to quit smoking.
Breathing exercises and meditation, etc., can also help your journey. Other ways to reduce cravings are nicotine replacement treatments, but you can also find different types of medication. Consult your doctor to get the proper therapy.
Another essential tip is to keep yourself away from triggers. These can be habits and even places that remind you of smoking.
Instead, change your routine and try to keep yourself busy when you feel the craving creeping in.
Anger, frustration, and irritability
It is common to feel these feelings in the first couple of weeks to one month after quitting. Anger, frustration, and irritability are valid withdrawal symptoms.
After all, it can be challenging to keep yourself from losing your temper, but you can do something to feel better. Reminding yourself that these symptoms are temporary is one of them.
In addition, distracting your mind from these feelings by doing some activities like walking or swimming can help you release essential neurotransmitters that help with feelings of well-being.
Moreover, another solution is to experiment with relaxing activities such as massages, breath exercises, or even just a hot bath.
Sleeping problems
Many people have trouble sleeping when they first try to quit smoking, which is something that tends to go away by itself.
However, if this concerns you, taking some easy precautions could help you. One of them is to avoid drinking caffeinated drinks regularly, especially close to your bedtime.
Nicotine patches can also affect your sleep. One solution is to take them off at least an hour before bedtime.
Moreover, ensure you are comfortable and establish a sleeping routine to set your mind and body at the proper time to sleep so you can rest.
In addition, avoiding using your phone, computer or watching TV around bedtime is essential to help your brain rest.
If, after all, you still can sleep, talking to a doctor about other solutions is the best alternative to handle these symptoms.
Anxiety, sadness, or depression
People who smoke are more likely to develop anxiety and depression. After quitting, some people may experience mood changes, which can escalate to something more severe.
Therefore, keeping track of how you feel and seeking professional help if you are still experiencing these symptoms after months of quitting is essential.
You can cope with them by trying to be more active in your routine and understanding where these feelings come from.
The help of a psychotherapist can be crucial in this process, as they can offer support during this journey of dealing with your emotions.
Moreover, adopting healthy habits and finding new hobbies can also help you deal with your feelings.
Weight gain
Some people may experience weight gain due to increased appetite after quitting smoking. This can bother people. However, it can be managed by following a balanced routine.
The solutions, in this case, are evident. First, you can balance the weight gain by doing more physical exercise, which can also help with other withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, anxiety, etc.
In addition, a nutritionist or a diet counselor can also help you prepare a meal plan or diet that can contribute to a healthier life and weight loss.
Use all the resources you have
Are you experiencing other withdrawal symptoms? Let us know in the comments so we can help you!
And if you liked the content, feel free to browse through our blog and check more free content and resources to help you quit smoking!
