Smoking is a habit that affects nearly every organ in the body in a detrimental way and is the leading cause of lung cancer, says the National Cancer Institute. If you are a smoker and hoping to quit, try natural ways to curb smoking to slowly wean yourself away from the constant need for a cigarette.
Taper Your Purchasing
A simple way to curb your smoking is to make cigarettes less available to yourself. Slowly stop buying the amount you usually do, suggests "Reader's Digest." Start by purchasing only half of what you usually do, and keep only a handful of cigarettes on you at all times. By keeping them unavailable you can learn to smoke less often to conserve your cigarettes and learn to do without when they are gone.
Avoid Pairings
You might find that there are a few things you always need a cigarette in conjunction with, like drinking alcohol or during your break at work. Avoid these situations so you can curb the need for a cigarette. Instead of drinking alcohol, order a hot drink like tea to calm and relax you. Instead of heading outside on your work break, play a computer game or pay a few bills online. Avoid situations where a cigarette is the natural pairing so you're less likely to crave a smoke.
Eat Seeds
Substitute seeds for the need to smoke. When trying to quit smoking, you might mourn the loss of the smoking ritual almost as much as the hit of nicotine. Instead, get the same satisfaction from eating sunflowers seeds. Use the shelled variety and concentrate on removing the seeds from the shell and enjoying the taste.
Keep Busy
Look for ways to keep both your hands and mind busy so that you don't find yourself thinking about cigarettes. Exercise, visit venues where smoking is prohibited or substitute exercise for smoking. Every time you crave a cigarette, go for a brisk walk or do a few jumping jacks until the craving subsides.
Find Support
Spend time with people who support your quest to quit. Being around friends who smoke will undoubtedly cause you to want to smoke as well. Instead, let everyone know about your goals to smoke less and eventually quit. When you feel the need for a smoke, speed-dial someone supportive instead, and chat until the craving has passed.
