Withdrawal, Cravings And Quitting Smoking: Oh My!
Sadly, cigarettes are full of a mixture of things, and many of those ingredients can be addictive on their own. Once brought together in a cigarette, the whole act of smoking becomes a habit which is hard to break. That means that withdrawal can be long, tedious and miserable. Remembering that the end result is totally worth the wait can help, but the tips below will give you additional assistance when it comes to quitting.
First, know thy enemy. Withdrawal symptoms, when you know they are coming, can be easier to deal with. For example, irritability is a common side effect of quitting. If you let your loved ones and coworkers know you are quitting, they will be able to take your crankiness with a sense of humor. You can also notice your own moods and avoid situations which will either set you off or where you may offend someone else with your behavior.
Next, low energy and tiredness is common in those who have just quit. Remedy this quickly with some exercise, such as walking up and down the fire escape at work a few times, or going for a walk around the block. This will not only give you some extra energy, but will also help you with any bad moods you may be in. Movement gets endorphins flowing, and they are the feel-good mechanism of the brain.
Not being able to sleep is a less common side effect of quitting, but it can be one of the most tortuous. The first way to battle this is by cutting caffeine completely out of your life, for now. Next, go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day, including the weekend. This will train your body to know when it should be sleeping and when it should be awake. Even if you haven't slept a wink, get up when you are supposed to. Sleep deprivation will also help your brain to learn that the only time sleep is permitted is during the hours you allot to it.
Once your body begins to purge the nasty toxins smoking put into it, you are likely to develop a cough. This has to do with the throat and lungs recovering from the irritation you have been inflicting upon them. Start drinking more water as this thins the mucous in your throat and helps it to be expectorated.
With oxygen suddenly flowing to your brain, dizziness may literally knock you off your feet. This new symptom is a great sign - your body is healing itself! To stop it from literally putting you on the floor, get up from bed or a chair slowly to ensure you are able to make it to your feet.
These simple tips could be the key to your quitting smoking for good. Take each one by one and implement them in your life to ensure success is in your future. Quitting today is the best thing you can do, so be proud of yourself for all that you are doing!
