How To Stop-Smoking Using Lifestyle Changes

You made the decision to stop smoking – congratulations!  You have to have strong willpower in order to stop smoking but it also helps to make some lifestyle changes.  If you continue your habits, you will notice that you have more of a craving for a cigarette.

Cigarette smoking is one of the most addictive substances there is.  Each year, millions of people try to quit and many of them succeed.  However, many of them fail.  In order not to fail when you stop smoking, you should make it a point to make some changes in your lifestyle so that you have a better chance of remaining smoke-free.

Here are some tips to change your lifestyle and remain cigarette-free for good.

Start or keep exercising.

Daily exercise — 30 minutes, five days a week — can rev your metabolism and help combat weight gain. Exercising distracts you from cravings and restless energy

Benefits.

It is important to recognize the benefits you get from smoking — such as relaxation — and substitute new activities that help you achieve the same benefits.

Watch alcohol intake.

You have heard it before, “I only smoke when I drink.” For many, drinking is a trigger for smoking and alcohol is high in “empty calories.”   A double whammy.  Limit or eliminate alcohol to reduce the chance of a nicotine relapse.

Trick your mouth and hands.

You probably miss that feel of cigarettes in your mouth.  Right? Try flossing with mint-flavored floss, chew on a toothpick or gum, or suck a hard candy. Take up knitting or cards to keep hands busy.

Trick your mouth and hands.

You probably miss that feel of cigarettes in your mouth.  Well, try flossing with mint-flavored floss, chew on a toothpick or gum, or suck a hard candy. Take up knitting or cards to keep hands busy.

Notice the social stigma.

Realize how most of the society looks at cigarette smokers.  Most people say it makes a beautiful person look less beautiful.

Snack smart.

Limiting the amounts of fats is one way to control weight. When cravings hit, it helps to have your refrigerator and pantry stocked with easy-to-grab, low-fat foods like pretzels, carrots, frozen grapes, or popcorn; or high-protein options like sliced turkey, yogurt, and string cheese. Avoid salty, sweet, and processed foods. If you reduce or avoid high-calorie sweet food, weight gain is less likely.

Drink more water.

Water or herbal teas — not soda — will keep you hydrated, provide a sense of satiety, and flush toxins from your newly clean system.

Find support.

Tell family and friends you are quitting and ask them to support your decision.

Focus your energy.

Quitting smoking is hard enough. Focus your energy on quitting smoking.  Forget the other projects you want to accomplish.

Once you make up your mind to stop-smoking, make these changes in your lifestyle and you will see that you not only feel better about yourself, but you look better as well.  Ooh, la la you look better already!