4 Things You Can Do Instead of Smoking Cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes is one of the most addictive habits a person can have. Research shows that smoking cigarettes can have severe negative impacts on a person’s health. This leads many to investigate quitting the habit, but this venture comes with many challenges. Symptoms of withdrawal can be overwhelming if the process of quitting is not handled properly. If you are looking to quit smoking cigarettes, consider these options to help ease you out of the habit.

Create New Associations with Cravings

Cigarette cravings are powerful for those trying to quit. It is important to avoid giving in to these cravings. This can be done by creating new associations and doing something else whenever you feel a craving. The next time you crave a cigarette, consider chewing on a piece of gum, drinking a glass of water or sucking on a piece of hard candy. Over time, this re-trains your brain and can help break the habit more quickly.

Use a Cigarette Alternative

Quitting smoking cigarettes altogether by going “cold turkey” is not easy to do. Many people choose to use cigarette alternatives to help ease the process. There are products available that imitate the effect of cigarettes. These smokingthings often include lower doses of harmful ingredients such as nicotine, which is the main addictive ingredient in cigarettes. These products can help ease you off of high nicotine doses without completely changing your routine.

Start Exercising

Regular exercise can improve your physical and mental health and help distract you from cigarette cravings. Activities like going for a jog, playing group sports with friends, and weightlifting help mitigate the feelings of cravings by engaging your body and directing your attention to a productive and healthy task. Exercising can also help build long-lasting healthy habits, can help improve heart and lung function and can help prevent weight gain.

Reach Out to Friends and Family

Social isolation can be harmful to someone struggling with quitting cigarettes or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. You do not have to tackle this challenge alone and should utilize the love and support of people around you. Make a commitment to contact friends and family members regularly. You can ask them to help keep you accountable or create a check-in system to help keep you on track. Remember that your loved ones are there to help and want the best for you.

Quitting smoking cigarettes can be difficult, but with conviction and a well-prepared plan, it can be done. Use these ideas to help you along the way.