However long you've been a smoker, giving up this daily habit can be a challenge; but it's not impossible. If you find yourself having nicotine cravings or being distracted by the urge to smoke, there are various methods you could try to reduce these cravings, which could ultimately lead to them disappearing altogether.
Each time you ignore a craving, you will be one step closer to freedom from your tobacco and nicotine dependence. Cravings may be powerful, but they are usually short-lived - typically lasting only a few minutes - so distracting yourself with an engaging activity that will last between five and ten minutes can be an effective way to ensure you are occupied until the craving passes. The worst thing you can do is try to ease the stress by allowing yourself a single cigarette, as this could undo all the hard work you've achieved so far.
If there are certain situations that you associate with smoking, such as waiting for buses, watching television or talking outside pubs and restaurants with friends, try to minimise these activities as much as possible, or to find ways around them. For example, keeping a pen and paper handy when talking on the phone can help keep your hands occupied if you used to smoke during this activity.
Another proven way to reduce tobacco cravings is to engage in more physical activity, whether that means exercise such as taking runs or going to the gym, or simply doing household chores. At the other
end of the spectrum, training your body and mind to relax can also be extremely beneficial for helping some people quit smoking, from basic deep breathing exercises to yoga and massage.
If you know anyone else who's successfully given up smoking in the past, talking to them about their experiences could help motivate you, and quitting at the same time as a friend can provide a powerful incentive, as you likely won't want to let them down by giving in. Another effective way to improve motivation is to focus on your reasons for quitting - are you mainly doing it for health reasons, to avoid having to pay for private health care in your old age due to smoking-related conditions, or to avoid bad breath?
If you do find yourself having powerful nicotine cravings, you may also experience success with nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums and lozenges. Other people find that they can simply occupy their mouths by chewing sweets, sunflower seeds, celery or carrots.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like PruHealth. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
Tips for Quitting Smoking by SEAN BURKE
Each time you ignore a craving, you will be one step closer to freedom from your tobacco and nicotine dependence. Cravings may be powerful, but they are usually short-lived - typically lasting only a few minutes - so distracting yourself with an engaging activity that will last between five and ten minutes can be an effective way to ensure you are occupied until the craving passes. The worst thing you can do is try to ease the stress by allowing yourself a single cigarette, as this could undo all the hard work you've achieved so far.
If there are certain situations that you associate with smoking, such as waiting for buses, watching television or talking outside pubs and restaurants with friends, try to minimise these activities as much as possible, or to find ways around them. For example, keeping a pen and paper handy when talking on the phone can help keep your hands occupied if you used to smoke during this activity.
Another proven way to reduce tobacco cravings is to engage in more physical activity, whether that means exercise such as taking runs or going to the gym, or simply doing household chores. At the other
end of the spectrum, training your body and mind to relax can also be extremely beneficial for helping some people quit smoking, from basic deep breathing exercises to yoga and massage.
If you know anyone else who's successfully given up smoking in the past, talking to them about their experiences could help motivate you, and quitting at the same time as a friend can provide a powerful incentive, as you likely won't want to let them down by giving in. Another effective way to improve motivation is to focus on your reasons for quitting - are you mainly doing it for health reasons, to avoid having to pay for private health care in your old age due to smoking-related conditions, or to avoid bad breath?
If you do find yourself having powerful nicotine cravings, you may also experience success with nicotine replacement products, such as patches, gums and lozenges. Other people find that they can simply occupy their mouths by chewing sweets, sunflower seeds, celery or carrots.
The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like PruHealth. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
Tips for Quitting Smoking by SEAN BURKE