Quitting that nasty smoking habit can do many things for your health, including save your life. By quitting smoking, you can reduce your risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer, heart disease and stroke, respiratory and breathing issues, and infertility for women.
The effects of smoking are serious. Smoking cigarettes can harm almost every organ in your body. Each year in the United States, smoking causes nearly one in five deaths. Smoking is one of the largest preventable causes of death and disease. It kills more than 480,000 Americans each year, with more than 41,000 of these deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke
Here are some of the best tips to help you quit smoking:
Avoid alcohol
This is a gateway to going back to smoking. Alcohol breaks down self-restraint and can erode your commitment to quitting.
Exercise every day
It’s important to do some form of physical activity each day. When your body is active, it sends natural chemicals that help your mood and ease your stress. Just walking is one of the best ways.
Sip cold water
Try sipping through a straw and help replace the act of sucking on a cigarette. This also release dopamine, a chemical in the brain that releases happiness, easing bad moods.
Brush your teeth
An instant benefit of quitting is cleaner breath. If you feel a craving coming on, head to the bathroom and brush your teeth (not brushing too hard) to fight the sensation. Nothing beats it more fresh breath.
Reward yourself
Don’t wait long to begin enjoying the benefits of a smoke-free life. Notice the good things and keep a written list to refer back too when you have cravings or frustration.
Eat small meals
This can also help you get past the urge to smoke. Choose lean, healthy foods to avoid weight gain.
Remind yourself why you quit
Write own a list of all the reasons and refer back to it often.
Stay busy
By filling your calendar in the first few days with things you need or want to do can help distract you from wanting to smoke. But steer clear of social settings that will enhance smoking temptations. The busier you are, the more distracted you’ll be.
