Smoking, as an addiction is a menace. What deters people from quitting isn’t lack of awareness but dreaded withdrawals. This fear is greater than the fear of diseases(debatable) and leads to a lot of mental, physical and emotional challenges.
Just a puff… what’s the harm?
One more drag…
The craving never stops ..does it?
Breaking the Habit
Smokers are not bad people. Let’s set it straight on record. People smoke to de-stress themselves and to get a nicotine high. A lot more is required than plain cold turkey to escape this vicious trap.
Psychology of Play
Appreciate yourself for trying. Do not be too harsh to yourself. Switch from dangerous habits to less dangerous habits and then to relatively danger-free habits and then reduce its intensity while simultaneously replacing them with healthy alternatives and timely treats for yourself. For example, switch from cigarettes to cigars (because processed cigarette papers are more dangerous than plain tobacco). Once you feel you are ready, take baby steps into herbal and tar-free alternatives. Then, finally switch over to the safest form i.e. vaping, which is devoid of any chemical or tar, then can quit everything.
Withdrawal Symptoms
You might go through intense cravings, tingling sensations, sweat, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression if you go the cold turkey way. Treat yourself like a child: Don’t be too harsh on yourself. Give yourself some amount of time to switch over to healthier alternatives.
Rest and Rejuvenation
Get yourself plenty rest. Take a break in between stressful work hours and schedules. Let your body and mind relax. Meditate to soothing music and let your mind know that you are absolutely fine.
Feed your soul
Have nutritious meals on time: Revamp your diet. Remove the extra oily, carb-packed, extra sweet dishes from your menu and replace them with more healthier options. Who says that a healthy diet needs to be a boring one? Yummy smoothies, salads, nutritious meat dishes, and sugar-free desserts. Make the difference to see the difference!
Train your body to train your mind
Chalk out an exercise regimen. Lift weights. Before you take notice, you would have already switched to a much healthier lifestyle. Who knows tomorrow you might want to be a part of a marathon!
Talk to your friends and family
Let them know that you have quit. Their appreciation will go a long way in deterring you from lighting another cigarette. No joy is as delightful as breaking a habit.
So no matter what adversity you face in overcoming smoking, stick to your attempt at it. Once the struggle is over you would end up feeling much better and adding more quality and time to your life. Cheer up, as nothing is impossible.
Kick adversaries in its butt with a puff. Kick those cigarette butts with e-juices and vape mods! Deep within, we are all small children who love being loved, lauded and pampered.
First things first. Make yourself aware that this withdrawal phase wouldn’t exist for long. This shall also pass. Learn to forgive yourself if you have tried unsuccessfully. At least you made an attempt 🙂