Table of contents:
- Identify what triggers you to smoke
- Set sensible goals
- Make a note of why you should quit smoking
- Start active in sports
- Tell all your friends and family
If you decide to quit smoking at this time, you are probably on the right track because quitting smoking can improve your state of health. However, it is undeniable that quitting smoking is a challenge in itself, especially for those who previously were heavy smokers. Even though it's difficult, quitting smoking is not an impossible thing, there are several ways you can do to get started.
Identify what triggers you to smoke
What circumstances give you the urge to smoke? By knowing what habits trigger you to smoke, it will make it easier for you to control your cravings for smoking. For example, if you smoke to relieve stress, make a note of this and figure out how to deal with your stress without smoking. Or are you in the habit of smoking after eating?
According to one study in the US quoted from the NHS website, some foods such as meat, can make cigarettes more delicious and indirectly trigger you to want to smoke. You can replace your diet which is usually dominated by meat to more vegetables and fruit, this can reduce your desire to smoke. In addition, you may be able to change your habits after eating. If you are accustomed to smoking right away, you can wash the dishes and clear the table right after eating so that you will be distracted from the urge to smoke.
Set sensible goals
A plan to quit smoking is a personal plan, depending on your personality. Would it be easier for you if you quit smoking right away? Or do you prefer to slowly reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day? Once you've found the right plan, then you have to stick to it. For example, in the next week you will reduce by half the number of cigarettes you usually smoke, then this must really be done.
Make a note of why you should quit smoking
Everyone has a reason why they want to quit smoking. Do you want to live a healthier life and avoid various diseases in the future? Protect your family from cigarette smoke? Or want to be a good example for your children? You can make a note of your reasons and put it in an easy place for you to read later. If one day you can't stand the urge to smoke again, you can remember and reread your reasons for quitting smoking.
Start active in sports
Those who smoke are usually less physically active. In addition to lack of movement and lack of exercise, those who smoke usually have a higher calorie intake when compared to non-smokers. All of these aspects can increase the risk of developing other diseases in the future. Starting to exercise can be one of the activities that you should include in your daily schedule. Besides being able to keep your body healthy, exercising can help you quit smoking. When you are physically active, your brain will produce important substances that work to control your desire to smoke.
Tell all your friends and family
You can ask your family and friends for support in your efforts to quit smoking. If family members and friends find out that you are trying to quit smoking, they can alert you if one day the urge to smoke returns.
In addition, choosing friends to hang out with can also help you quit smoking. Why so? Not a few people start smoking because they are in an environment where the majority are also smokers. In your efforts to quit smoking, the environment may be an important contributing factor. If you hang out with other smokers, you are more likely to return to smoking. For that, try joining communities whose members are also trying to quit smoking. Or you can also join a sports lover community, that way besides making friends, you are also motivated to be diligent in exercising.
Quitting smoking is not easy, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. It takes great intention and effort, accompanied by support from the environment around you.
