Whether you’re keen to improve your health or just help your wallet, there are loads of great reasons to quit smoking. Cigarettes are very addictive, and if you’re used to smoking regularly it can be hard to break the cycle. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help you stay on the right track when it comes to quitting successfully.
From using mindfulness to break that stress-smoking habit to swapping cigarettes for refreshing minty gum, we’ve gathered a list of the top 6 techniques used by ex-smokers to help them quit for good.
1. Give yourself a break!
If you’re smoking cigarettes to deal with stress and anxiety, as many smokers do, it’s important to learn other ways to relax. These could include quick deep breaths, positive mantras, mindfulness exercises or other types of meditation.
2. Write down your reasons for quitting
Research the negative effects of smoking such as health problems and high costs. After you’ve done that, make a list of all the benefits of quitting smoking and use it to keep yourself going when you need a reminder. Your lists should be comprehensive and should include options like feeling better, having brighter skin, and saving some cash for another holiday!
3. Switch up your daily routine
It’s easy to have habits that are associated with smoking so make the effort to change your routine or add something new. This could mean swapping that post-dinner cigarette for a piece of fruit or taking a short walk during a coffee break at work when you would normally have lit up. Try to avoid alcohol too, which can be a key trigger, especially when you decide to quit smoking.
4. Lean on your loved ones
The support of family and friends can make all the difference – so make sure to share your journey with them every step of the way. Telling them you are quitting will make you feel more accountable, and will mean they can help you avoid temptation too!
5. Consider smoking substitutes
From patches and nicotine gum to nicotine-free cigarettes – there are plenty of smoking substitutes available to help you get through those tricky early cravings. These can be a great way to cut down gradually, though always consult with a doctor before trying something new. It’s important to note that smoking is a stress-reliever, so you must keep substitutes around for when you are stressed.
6. Choose your reward
Keep your spirits up by creating milestones and rewards for yourself to track your quit smoking journey. These don’t need to be expensive but could be as simple as treating yourself to a long bubble bath or a favourite dessert. If at any point you do give into temptation, don’t waste time punishing yourself – instead, forgive yourself, analyse what the triggers were, and move on.
Last but not the least, if you’ve been a smoker for a while it’s a smart thing to invest your money in a premium health insurance plan so you’re covered regardless of your smoking habits.
