The biggest struggle people experience when trying to give up smoking is beating the cravings. There is no point in lying about it; these will be frequent during the early stages of giving up. However, once you hit milestones you will find that your nicotine cravings are becoming less and less. Thus, keep on reading to discover ways to give up smoking that are centred on beating those pesky cravings.
Firstly, you need to stay away from triggers especially in the beginning. There are certain circumstances that are going to make you want a cigarette more often than usual. For example, your trigger may be drinking alcohol. On the other hand you may fancy a cigarette whenever you have a coffee in the morning. By avoiding these circumstances or minimising them as much as possible you will consequently diminish the want to have a cigarette.
In addition to this, another way to minimise nicotine cravings is to engage in physical activity. This of course will have other benefits too. However, in terms of stopping smoking, it is believed that a mere 30 minutes of moderate physical activity can make your cravings go away. This doesn’t mean you need to get yourself a membership at the gym. Your 30 minutes can be a mere walk. Make sure you pick something you enjoy as it will make it easier for you to stick to.
Don’t be afraid of asking for moral support either. Tell your friends and family that you are quitting. Say that you are going to need all the help you can get. They will be able to get you through the times that are difficult. Simply give someone you are close to a phone call whenever you fancy a cigarette. They will provide you with the motivation needed and ensure that you don’t end up straying.
Aside from this, you should never go down the route of ‘oh I will just have one’. A lot of people tend to believe that if they have a mere cigarette it will settle their craving and they will find it easier to continue giving up. This is unfortunately far from the truth. Instead, one cigarette can easily turn into one packet. It makes you want more and more.
And finally, you should also find something else to chew on. Thus, when you would typically be smoking a cigarette your mouth will be preoccupied anyway. Most people tend to go for sugarless chewing gum. However, if this doesn’t tickle your fancy then you have a selection of other satisfying and crunchy treats to pick from. This includes everything from sunflower seeds to carrots to nuts.
To conclude, nobody ever said that giving up smoking was easy. It is a difficult challenge and this is enhanced by those pesky cravings which seem to keep cropping up. However, you can diminish these and ensure they eventually end up non-existent via using the advice provided in this article. The first few weeks will be a struggle yet once you meet your milestones it will become easier and easier.
Summary: This article provides the reader with a selection of different ways to give up smoking. Each tip is centred on beating the strong craving people experience for a cigarette.
Author bio: Janifar has been cigarette free for 17 years now. She thus uses his experience in order to provide people with top advice regarding ways to give up smoking for good.