Craving to light a cigarette despite taking a pledge not to? Everyone faces hurdles on their quit smoking journey and we will tell you how to surpass them and score a goal for a healthy you! Situations that can increase your desire to light a cigarette:
- Stress and Anxiety
Stress is one of the most common reasons for a person on a quit smoking journey to start smoking again. But when was getting rid of a bad habit so easy? Seek support from friends and family to overcome stressful times and engage yourselves in activities and hobbies that you enjoy. These times always pass and you just have to hang on patiently without letting it get the better of you.
- Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are pretty good friends and every time you settle down to enjoy a glass of alcohol, it might let your guard loose and you would want to take a puff. Once you’ve downed a couple of drinks, your cognitive behavior is affected and your self-control goes for a stroll. The nicotine in the cigarette will increase your urge to drink more and you’ve got entangled in a vicious circle. If you are on a quit smoke plan, we suggest you to stay away from alcohol too. Completely cutting out alcohol could be difficult for many, for those we suggest you to limit your consumption before your rationale thinking dwindles off.
- Cravings
Fight cravings with physical activities like exercise, going for a run or to the gym or playing your favorite sport. Literature says that withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes decrease during exercise and up to 50 minutes after exercising. How wonderful is that? Pull yourself out of that chair, wear your running shoes, play your favorite music track and just get rid of that sick craving!
- Nicotine Withdrawal
Your body and brain gets addicted to nicotine while you smoke and when you stop smoking‚ your body hates it. That’s withdrawal and withdrawal symptoms might bother you. It is maximum in the first week of quitting smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will help you overcome this time and trick your body and mind by giving them the nicotine it craves. Nicotine patches, gums and lozenges are available over the counter and can be safely used. Your doctor could prescribe medications to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Discuss your NRT with your doctor and choose one that works best for you.NRT will only help with the withdrawal symptoms but your self-control and determination is what is needed most. Quitting Smoking is tough but you are tougher. Meet your doctor, make a quit plan and take your first step to a healthy and happy life!
