We all know the detrimental effects of smoking. But quitting smoking is indeed, no easy task. However, by following a few useful guidelines, an individual can stay smoke-free, for the most part at least, if he/she really wants to.
If a smoker is thinking of quitting smoking, then one of the most important tools at his/her disposal is sheer will power. Without will power, quitting smoking is an almost impossible feat; so, it is best to first, glean an understanding of the benefits of giving up cigarettes and then determinedly deciding to do so.
The advantages of quitting smoking are manifold. For instance, from a health perspective, by giving up cigarettes, people drastically reduce their chance of contracting lung cancer, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, amongst numerous other diseases. From a financial standpoint, by quitting smoking, money that would have otherwise been spent on cigarettes can be saved or utilized for a better cause. From a social standpoint, by quitting smoking, an individual is acting in a socially responsible manner, for he/she is then not unwittingly exposing friends, family and loved ones, to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
There are certain tips that make quitting smoking that much easier. Hanging out at public places where smoking is banned, be it at the library, theatre, museums or malls; would indeed, help, in this regard. In the same vein, staying away from places and/or social situations that encourage a person to smoke is also recommended.
Sometimes, when quitting smoking one of the hardest things to do is letting go of having something in one’s hand, which hitherto had been a cigarette. Instead, holding a mobile phone, or even something simple like a pencil, might just do the trick. Similarly, there are people who miss having a cigarette dangling from their mouth, and such individuals may find that chewing celery or a cinnamon stick would act as a healthy substitute, in place of that elusive cigarette.
When quitting smoking, some people need a little outside help. This may come in the form of family and friends, who need to be on the same page as you, when it comes to giving up the addiction to cigarettes. Engaging in wholesome, community based activities or simply taking up a new hobby with friends, might sometimes, help a great deal in this regard.
However, for a few individuals, quitting smoking with the help of natural aids, alone, might prove to be quite daunting. It is with such people in mind that nicotine replacements, electronic cigarettes and certain FDA approved pills are designed, which help smokers give up cigarettes altogether.
Quitting smoking is certainly no walk in the park. However, by doing so, you will obtain a myriad benefits, in the long run. So, stop making excuses, make up your mind and quit smoking, today!