You’ve finally decided to quit smoking. All it takes is a decision. However, this doesn’t eliminate the strong urge to smoke that may stay with you for quite some time. Nicotine is arguably the most addictive substance. It takes about a week for the body to eliminate nicotine and for physical dependence to fade. Unfortunately, psychological dependence doesn’t have an expiration date. You’ll need to find other ways to successfully resist the urge to smoke.
Scientists have shown that it’s not just the nicotine that keeps smokers hooked on this harmful habit. It’s the psychological need to keep the mouth occupied (a fixation on the early oral stage of infancy). That’s why electronic cigarettes don’t really help you break the habit.
Below are some smart ways to trick your urge to smoke. Before trying them, it’s a good idea to examine the conditions under which you smoke. Are you a social or solitary smoker? Do you smoke out of habit or only when stressed or anxious? Do you smoke at home or only outside? This will help you prepare and organize better to handle obstacles and difficult situations. Try the techniques below as healthy alternatives to smoking. Discover which ones work for you. Try new ones. Let us know if something else helped you so we can include it in a future article.
Chew gum. A helpful alternative. Prefer sugar-free gum to avoid harming your teeth and body. This way, your teeth and gums won’t suffer from the harmful effects of smoke.
Have a small piece (two fingers) of dark chocolate. It’s a great substitute, as it stimulates dopamine levels in the brain, much like the nicotine in cigarettes. Dopamine triggers feelings of euphoria, satisfaction, and pleasure. Just don’t overdo it with the chocolate to avoid weight gain!
Keep your body well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids. This will help, especially during the detox period from nicotine.
Exercise. The endorphin rush that exercise creates in the brain has soothing effects. It helps reduce stress and tension, making you feel good.
- Yoga is a great alternative to smoking, especially for smokers who light up when stressed or tired. Yoga has specific postures (asanas) that help you relax. It also helps improve your physical fitness.
- Brisk walking and jogging are also good ideas. At first, you may struggle since smoking decreases lung function and stamina. However, as your lungs begin to clear, it will get easier, your stamina will increase, and your motivation to continue will grow. This will be the first sign that your body is beginning to restore its good physical condition after quitting smoking.
Seek support from your family and friends or professional help. Talk to your loved ones about what might help you. For example, a phone call or a warm hug when you feel a strong craving might save you from lighting up a cigarette. A visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist can also help you set appropriate goals and receive professional support to mentally prepare for the tough moments.
GOOD LUCK!
