You’ve finally decided to stop smoking. Great! Now comes the tricky part of sustaining this resolution. Kicking this habit takes a lot more than simply dumping that cigarette pack. While it can be challenging to practice abstinence, there are certain measures you can take to ensure that you succeed in this endeavor. In this article, we’ll discuss “what not to do” when you are trying to quit smoking:
Don’t be pessimistic
An intense craving for nicotine after you quit smoking is a very natural reaction. It can be accompanied by symptoms like sweating, tingling in hands and feet, constipation, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms provoke negative feelings that could eventually lead to a relapse. The only way to weather this period is by staying patient and focusing your energy on the present, which can include your work, partner, children, friends, and hobbies. Remember that thinking about your smoking history will not do you any good, so make a conscious effort of living in the moment.
Don’t be negligent about your health
Cessation is a time when you need to pay extra attention to your physical and mental needs. Doing so will help you deal with any withdrawal symptoms more effectively. Neglecting your health will only weaken your resolve and might trigger a relapse to the toxic habit. Following the mentioned tips can help you ditch smoking for good:
- Wholesome diet: To eliminate all the toxins accumulated in your body, you need to follow a well-balanced diet. It should ideally contain nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamin C. Your diet should also include milk and dairy items. Studies suggest that drinking milk made the taste of cigarettes worse. So if you are having strong nicotine cravings, you can have dairy to keep it in control.
- Exercise: Another great solution to keep yourself mentally occupied is to exercise. Simply walking a few miles every day can contribute to fighting the withdrawal symptoms and can help in keeping your mood upbeat.
- Drink water: Drinking adequate amounts of water can quickly help clear toxins from your body and keep you hydrated, especially during exercise.
- Consider a multivitamin: If you have been smoking for quite some time, your body might be lacking some essential nutrients. So during the first few months, consider having a multivitamin that can help refuel your energy levels and strengthen your immunity. Ensure that you consult your general physician before starting a multivitamin.
Don’t drink alcohol
Alcohol can trigger the urge to smoke. So, during the first few months of cessation, it would be clever to take it easy on the drinking. Mastering this might require a few months, but you’ll be able to drink without having the craving to smoke eventually.
Don’t go through it alone
A healthy support system can do wonders while you’re looking to quit smoking, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Surround yourself with proactive family members and friends who could act as a buffer every time you feel like having a cigarette. You can also join an online support group or one in your community to share your thoughts with someone who could resonate with your struggles.
