If you are a long-term smoker, quitting will leave a big hole in your life. Your odds of long-term success will increase if you can find ways to replace the role that smoking has played in your life. Products are available that can reduce anxiety and nicotine cravings. In addition, certain healthy habits can serve as helpful replacements.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy refers to the use of various products that contain nicotine, to reduce your nicotine cravings while you concentrate on breaking your psychological addiction to smoking. These products include gum, inhalers, patches and nasal sprays. Gum and patches can be purchased over-the-counter, while inhalers and nasal sprays are available with a prescription. The American Heart Association confirms that nicotine replacement products are safe and effective for quitting smoking.
Zyban
Zyban is a prescription medication used to reduce the desire to smoke. It is available only by prescription. It is not classified as a nicotine replacement product because it contains no nicotine. For this reason, unlike nicotine replacement products, you will not suffer nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Zyban can cause dry mouth and insomnia. It should not be taken without a prescriptions or by smokers with certain medical risks such as seizures.
Exercise
Exercise will not directly reduce your cravings for nicotine, but is an excellent remedy for the anxiety that often accompanies smoking withdrawal, according to David Brizer, MD. Exercise can also provide certain psychological benefits. It can help you develop a greater respect for your body so that you can change your attitudes about smoking. It can also provide a pleasing sense of accomplishment. This can lead to self-confidence, which can enhance your faith in your ability to quit.
Meditation
Meditation is a form of guided relaxation that can help you relieve some of the stress associated with quitting smoking. Because many smokers smoke to relax, it can also help you replace one of smoking's psychological functions with a healthier response. Sit alone in a dark room, close your eyes and focus on breathing deeply and rhythmically, counting to four between each inhalation and exhalation. Focus on relaxing your body, beginning with your toes and working your way up. Eventually you may develop the ability to meditate in any situation, even with your eyes open. Try meditating for a few seconds every time you feel the urge to smoke.
Fluids
Drink a lot of fluids when you're trying to quit smoking or cut down, advises Brizer, because a high fluid intake will promote your attempts. Fluids help wash away the toxins your body has accumulated by smoking. Fruit juices such as orange juice are particularly useful in this regard.
