Smoking is more than just a bad habit; it's a serious detriment to your health. Smoking can cause a number of significant and dangerous health problems, including heart disease. Smoking significantly increases the risk for heart attack, raises blood pressure and causes hardening of the arteries. Reducing heart disease risk is one of the greatest health benefits of quitting smoking.
Step 1
Pick a day to quit. You've made the decision to get healthy and quit smoking, so set a date and go cold turkey. It may be tough, but your body will respond immediately when you're not inhaling smoke any more. For the best heart health, quit at once rather than tapering off.
Step 2
Stay busy. Don't sit at home, in front of the TV, or at a bar where you would normally be enjoying a cigarette. Plan activities to keep your mind off of smoking--maybe a fun activity with a friend. Try to stick to places where you wouldn't be allowed to smoke anyway, such as a movie theater or restaurant.
Step 3
Exercise. It's a great way to give yourself a natural "high" without the nasty side effects of smoking, and it will keep you busy and prevent you from thinking about smoking. And if your ultimate goal is to improve heart health, exercise is a great way to help you quit and reduce heart disease risk.
Step 4
Chew on something healthy. You might be tempted to hold something in your hand and put something in your mouth when you miss that cigarette. But choose a healthier option, like chewing on raw veggies--celery or carrots are a good choice. You can also chew some sugar-free gum or suck on a sugar-free sucker or candy.
Step 5
Avoid alcohol. Too much alcohol is bad for your heart and it could trigger your urge to smoke. Drink lots of water, or even a fruit juice. Opt for something healthy to hydrate your system--something you don't associate with smoking.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your health in mind when you need motivation to keep from lighting up.
