1. Help Through Smokenders
Most people who think they are ready to quit smoking wrestle with two questions: should I gradually cut down on how much I smoke or should I quit cold turkey? Depending on the urgency, cutting down may be the best approach for you. It offers some benefits to quitting smoking, while allowing you to slowly learn new habits. Smokenders is a professionally run program designed to help you stop smoking by tapering off instead of quitting all at once. It requires no prescription drugs, chewing gum, patches or other forms of replacement therapy. Instead, Smokenders is designed to help you deal with the psychological aspects of smoking--considered by many to be more difficult to deal with than the physical withdrawals. But, for the majority of people wishing to quit smoking, it’s better to make a sudden change in your lifestyle to eliminate tobacco from your life. If your doctor has told you that you need to quit smoking now, tapering off may not be an option.
2. How Exercise Can Help You to Quit Smoking
If you’re not currently exercising, start. Studies have shown that people who engage in a comprehensive exercise program fair better than smokers who don’t. Exercise will build your confidence, help you to feel better about the steps you’re taking to improve your health and help you to learn how to breathe properly.
3. Cigarette Substitutes
Try to stay away from alcohol, sugar and caffeine during the first one to two weeks after you quit smoking. Not only do they stimulate your metabolism, there is often a psychological attachment to certain foods you enjoyed while you smoked. You need to begin establishing new relationships with diet and exercise. If you find that you miss the “feel” of your cigarettes, consider one of the many oral substitutes on the market. E-Z Quit’s Artificial Cigarettes, Hotlix cinnamon toothpicks and JuJu Stx are all great oral substitutes.
4. Smoking After Meals
One of the most difficult times for people who quit smoking is the first five minutes after a meal. If you experience craving for a cigarette after eating, try leaving the table and go for a stroll outside. A cup of mint tea or peppermint candy will also take the place of a cigarette.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
The daily recommendation for drinking water is eight glasses of water a day. If you’re quitting smoking, be sure to drink at least this much water. It will help to flush the nicotine and other toxins out of your body.
