World Health Day 2022: How to successfully quit smoking
If you have attempted to quit smoking or vaping and failed, remember that you tried and now that you've made up your mind you can try again. It's no news to smokers that tobacco is injurious to their and passive smokers' health. This World Health Day, try and kick the butt. We know it isn't easy, so here are a few tips.
Here is what our expert says
Smoking is injurious to health. All smokers should be encouraged to quit smoking on every visit to a healthcare provider for related or unrelated reasons. Regular counseling with behavioral and pharmacological treatments improve the success rate of quitting smoking. Treatment should be tailored to the person, as one method may not work for all. People with mental health issues are more likely to relapse.
Find a reason to quit
Find a valid reason to quit, motivation is the key here for most people. Remind yourself repeatedly what you'll gain by dropping that cigarette. It can be good health or money. Keep reminding yourself how much you'll save by not choosing to smoke plus leading a healthier life! If money isn't a motivation for you, seek a different but relevant reason.
Get a doctor's help
Very few people have been successful at quitting on the first attempt. Get some medical advice while quitting, as you may not be able to stop smoking suddenly without going through withdrawal symptoms. That can be nasty without proper help. Once you've made up your mind to quit smoking, set a date within which you'd give up smoking completely, and follow the doctor's advice.
Limit your triggers
If you have a habit of smoking along with your cup of tea, limit your intake of tea as you'll unconsciously reach out for a smoke since your body is used to that combination. Don't try to give up tea as trying to quit too many habits together will backfire. The same goes for alcohol and other things that you combine with smoking.
Consider nicotine replacement
Quitting nicotine can lead to mood swings and headaches. You might notice a feeling of having one smoke, which can totally throw you off track. Consider nicotine replacement therapy to curb this urge. Nicotine gum and patches have been found helpful. Medicines can also curb cravings and/or make smoking less satisfying if you do pick up a cigarette; some can help with mood swings.
Keep your surroundings clean
If there are cigarette butts or ashes here and there, or if your clothes smell of smoke, it'll cause a trigger and signal your senses to crave a cigarette. Wash all clothes that smell of smoke. Clean your carpets and upholstery too just to be sure. Clean out your car, if you smoke in there. Spray air fresheners to get rid of the smell.
