If you have decided to quit smoking, you are aware of the benefits of doing it. All you need is a little push to resist the cravings. Sure, the urges can be strong. However, what you need to remember is that the craving would subside between five to ten minutes. Also, there some effective lifestyle tips for quitting smoking. These include:
Have a strong reason
The journey can be a difficult one. Therefore, to make sure that you don’t give in to the urges, have a strong and compelling reason wherein you can remind yourself of every time you are about to reach for a cigarette. The reasons can be many. From having a healthy life to not making your family members a passive smoker, you can pick whatever you find the most compelling.
Practice deep breathing
Taking deep breaths can help you a lot in fighting the urges. It may sound simple but it can have a crucial role to play in bringing down the stress level. Reduced stress levels can directly impact your urges to smoke and hence, eventually stop you from reaching for a cigarette. You can practice deep breathing by inhaling through your nose continuously for five seconds and then exhaling through the mouth for five seconds. Focus your mind on the fresh oxygen that you are taking in, which will help you calm yourself down and aid you to quit smoking.
Snack on healthy foods
This can prove to be one of the most helpful lifestyle tips for quitting smoking. When you have only been a few weeks into the journey, you should be prepared for some oral fixations that will be very strong. Therefore, you must stock up your home with healthy snacks before you decide your date to start quitting the habit. These snacks should keep your mouth busy and at the same time should be healthy. Switch snacking on candies with vegetables and fruits. You can stock up your fridge with grapes, cucumbers, carrots, healthy nuts, and other snacks that you can start munching on as soon as you get the cravings.
Keep away from the triggers
The urges and cravings for tobacco can be triggered by certain situations or places. These are usually the places were you earlier used to smoke. These can be bars, parties, or even corners at your workplace where you used to sip coffee and smoke a cigarette. You must know the spots that trigger your urges and should make sure that you avoid them completely. One of the most difficult tasks can be to prevent a relapse. If you had a habit of smoking while talking over the phone, distract your mind by scribbling on a notebook while having the telephonic conversation. This will keep your mind busy and you will not look for a cigarette.