The impact of smoking is very detrimental to one's health but it doesn't stop habitual smokers. To them, it has become a part of their lives. They know that it's bad for them, but since they don't see its effect, it's hard to tackle them.
There isn't much awareness about it in the general public which is why on the second Wednesday of March, an annual 'No Smoking Day' is observed. The day aims to make people aware of the harms smoking causes, personal as well as societal.
According to a survey, there are over 26 crore tobacco users in India, and more than 10 lakh people lose their lives every year due to tobacco-related diseases.
There are many bad effects of smoking, some of them start showing immediately and others are long-lasting. The most common effect of smoking is coughing and throat irritation which leads to bad breath, discoloration of teeth and fingertips where you hold a cigarette.
If you continue smoking, the effects become even more detrimental. It can lead to various heart issues, lung cancer, bronchitis, stroke, and even death in some cases.
If you want to stop smoking, resisting the urge to smoke is going to be hard so you need motivation that will stick with you. Every time you resist this urge, you are one step closer to quitting.
Here are some ways to help you along the way to quit your nicotine addiction:
1) Nicotine replacement therapy
Short-acting nicotine replacement therapies, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, or inhalers, can help when you have intense cravings.
2) Avoiding triggers
The urge to smoke usually comes with some sort of trigger, such as when you party or have a drink or drink coffee. If you know or find those triggers and avoid them, it can help you not relapse.
3) Chew gum
If you are craving to smoke, then give your mouth something to chew. It can be anything, from candies to nuts and sugarless gum, choose the best option for you, especially something that doesn't harm you in the long run.
4) Don't give in
You might think about having just one cigarette, thinking what harm can one do? But you mustn't, it's a short way to relapsing.
5) Physical exercise
Get out, go for a walk whenever the urges hit you. Get your blood pumping to curb those smoking urges. And if you are unable to go out, do some squats, or push-ups.
6) Join support groups
Leaving behind your addiction is hard but you can get motivated to quit if you listen to other's stories about quitting. You can join support groups of those wanting to quit, who have quit and share your own story there.
7) Practice relaxation techniques
Some people smoke when they are stressed, if you are one of them, then you should try relaxation techniques. Join a yoga class or a meditation class to reduce your stress triggers and to be in control of your urges.
Quitting is beneficial to your health as well as the health of your loved ones and you must always remember it. There are many ways to tackle your addiction and you have to find the one that works for you.
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