No matter how hard it may seem, nicotine addiction is not a death sentence. Everyone can overcome it.
On that note, below are some of the techniques smokers can use to do away with the harmful habit.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
As a smoker, I am sure you have heard about electronic cigarettes, especially the ones sold at buyv2cigs.co.uk. If you are still wondering what the hype is all about, electronic cigarettes are devices that vaporize a chemical liquid, releasing nicotine into the lungs after inhalation.Other methods of NRT include nasal sprays, chewing gums, patches, and lozenges. The next time you have a doctor’s appointment or visit a health facility purpose to get more information on NRT.
All these are short-acting nicotine substitutes can aid in overcoming intense cravings.
Avoid triggers
There is a high probability that nicotine cravings will be intense in situations where you either used to smoke or chew it. Such situations include at parties, when hanging out with specific friends, among others. Nicotine addicts should each get to know their triggers and it is for the best if these situations were avoided completely.
Also, try to keep yourself busy in some other way if you find yourself in a certain situation where you loved smoking.
Delay
If you find yourself having cravings, give yourself at least 10minutes before you reach for your cigarette. In the meantime, do something to distract yourself; something that will keep you busy and make you ‘forget’ about the cravings. You could opt to do as simple thing as go to a public area where smoking is prohibited.With a few tricks here and there, you will be able to derail your cravings.
Chew
Chewing can be used as a form of distraction. Chew on sugarless gum, some nuts, or carrots among other things. Chew on anything to keep your mind off cigarettes.Do not carry ‘just one cigarette’
Do not fool yourself that you will carry one cigarette just in case you have intense cravings. The mere thought that you have a cigarette at hand, will make it difficult to stay clean. The brain already knows that you have a cigarette ‘just in case’ and it will do just that; it will send craving signals all over the body. Not many will be able to resist once that has happened.Furthermore, having one cigarette will make it easier for you to get a second and a third. Throwing out the window any plans you had of quitting.
Get online support
With the rise of the Internet, came social media platforms. There are countless support groups across the Internet and getting one with people who are going through the same things as you is very encouraging.Also, seeing people who made it past their addictions is a great motivator. Talk to them and join group discussions. Ask them how they handled their nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The whole point is to learn something from people who understand your predicaments.
Engage in physical activities
Engaging in physical activities is one way to fight nicotine cravings and keep them at bay. Enrolling in a gym and getting some cardio workout is one way of doing this or you could just do home workouts.Also, simple exercises like running up the stairs a few times, squats, walking and jogging are some other physical activities that could help distract you or reduce the intensity of such cravings.
Remind yourself of the benefits
Write down the reasons why you want to quit and always read them every morning. Carry a copy of the same in your pocket or bag and go through them whenever cravings strike. Some of the key benefits of not smoking include living a healthier life and saving money. Apart from that, you will also feel good about yourself and save your loved ones from inhaling secondhand smoke.All in all, no matter how many times you fail, making an attempt to quit smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself. The point is to keep trying. Remember, one successful attempt at resisting a nicotine craving, is a step closer to quitting.
Good luck!
