Effective Methods to Quit Smoking & the Benefits
You hear people say all the time that it’s a good idea to quit smoking, but what exactly are the benefits of quitting smoking and how easy is it to kick the habit? In this article, we'll review some of the best ways to quit smoking, and the health improvements you’ll notice when you do.
Effective Quitting Methods
Quitting smoking can be tough, but it’s possible. The key is to find the best quitting method or methods for you. Here are some solutions that are known to work well.
1. Cold Turkey
While going cold turkey isn’t going to work for everyone, it’s a popular way to give up smoking. It involves willpower alone with a smoker deciding to stop immediately. People who successfully go cold turkey stop suddenly and never smoke again.
2. Stress Relief
Many people take up smoking as a form of stress relief. In these cases, quitting smoking means that you’ll need to find a replacement for that "you" time. It’s good to plan ahead and find a new stress relief activity for those moments you need it most. You could try yoga, listening to classical music or drinking flavored teas.
3. Counseling
A trained counselor is well-placed to discuss your smoking addiction with you and provide solutions to get you on track to kicking cigarettes from your life for good.
4. Nicotine Alternatives
While there are still health risks, nicotine alternatives are an option to help you in the fight against smoking. There are plenty of different product types to choose from, including nose sprays, patches and gums.
5. The "Slow and Steady" Approach
If going cold turkey isn’t right for you, you could try taking it one day at a time. Cut down the amount you smoke gradually over a set period with the end goal being to have stopped smoking completely.
6. Buddying Up
If someone you know also wants to quit cigarettes, why not consider working on quitting together? You’ll be able to help each other set goals.
7. Accountability Partners
Choose an accountability partner to help you stick to your goal of giving up smoking. This could be anyone in your family or friend group.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
Quitting smoking will bring many physical and mental health benefits to your life. Here are some of the most notable advantages of giving up cigarettes.
Taste and Smell
When you quit smoking, you’ll be able to enjoy heightened senses of smell and taste again. Food and drink will have more flavor and you’ll be more likely to notice pleasant smells like candles and perfumes.
Life Expectancy
It’s no secret that, on average, those who smoke are more likely to die at a younger age. That means that giving up cigarettes will increase your life expectancy. You’ll have more time to spend with those you love and doing the activities you enjoy.
Cancer
By quitting smoking, you’ll also be lowering your risk of different types of cancer that can cause ill health and, ultimately, death.
Breathing
Smoking isn’t good for your breathing, and by kicking the habit you’ll notice that you are able to breathe more easily than before as your lungs begin to heal.
Skin
Smoking dulls the skin because it reduces the amount of oxygen in your body. By finding a good solution to quit smoking, you’ll quickly notice brighter, healthier skin.
Depression
Going smoke-free reduces feelings of depression, aiding those who suffer in improving their general mental wellness.
Energy
Cigarettes can slow you down without you realizing it. It’s only once you quit that you notice you have more energy and can get on top of tasks better.
Blood Pressure
Without cigarettes your blood pressure will reduce to healthier levels, as will your heart rate and the level of carbon monoxide in your blood.
Family and Friends
The negative effects of smoking don’t just affect you. Your choice to smoke can harm loved ones and those you don’t know. By choosing to give up smoking, you’ll be ensuring that those in your home, those you meet up with and those you walk past in the street won’t be affected by second-hand smoke.