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To succeed in giving up tobacco you will improve your chance of success if you know how ready you are to stop. This may be tough in many ways to accomplish. In fact, each time you try to make the decision to quit, but don't have the will to do it alone. A good way to start is ask your family, friends, and doctor to help you out. Quitting is hard because your body craves the nicotine in tobacco. Giving it up is more than just stopping a bad habit. Your body has to stop craving the nicotine. Nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches can help reduce the cravings without the harmful effects of tobacco. Your doctor can also give you medicine to help with stress and anxiety.
You also have to change your habits. You may not even think about using tobacco. You just do it. You may chew tobacco when you are stressed. Or maybe you have a cigarette with coffee. Once you quit, you will need new ways to handle these things. For instance, call a friend or practice deep breathing when you feel stressed. Try chewing sugarless gum instead of lighting up.
You may feel sad when you first quit or have trouble sleeping and want to eat more. Using products like nicotine gum can help with your cravings and make you feel more like yourself. Other issues that may influence you is the worry about gaining weight when you stop using tobacco. Don't let this stop you. You have a lot more to gain by quitting than a few extra pounds. You will feel better, save money, and have fewer health problems. Below are more tips to quitting tobacco. |
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You have to get ready. You don't have to stop right away, but set a date to quit. Pick a time when you won't have a lot of stress in your life. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, or spit cups. Also, don't let people smoke in your house.
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Change your daily routine. For example, if you smoke after eating, take a brief walk instead.
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Using medication may reduce your cravings and stress. You can buy nicotine gum, lozenges, or patches without a prescription. Also, your doctor can also give you medicine, such as bupropion. Using nicotine replacement products or medication doubles your chances of quitting tobacco for good.
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Geting support and seeking help is important. Such includes help from Counseling from doctors, nurses, or therapists.
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Try to be active. Exercise can also improve your mood.
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Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and fewer high-fat foods.
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Try not to substitute food for tobacco. Instead, chew on a drinking straw or coffee stirrer.
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Some people are able to quit the first time they try. But most people quit and restart many times before they stop smoking for good. If you start smoking again after you quit, don't give up. Remind yourself that by quitting you may avoid serious health problems and live longer.
Each time you quit, you learn more about what helps and what gets in the way. Think about why you started smoking again, and make plans to succeed next time. Once you are able to stop, stay committed. Don't use tobacco in any way.
Each time you quit, even if it is just for a short time, you get closer to your long-term goal. You can do it! |
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