Most tobacco users find the urge to smoke very controlling. However, you shouldn’t allow this unhealthy habit have full control over you. So, when you experience a strong or intense urge to smoke, remember that though it may be extreme, but the craving will probably pass within five to 10 minutes whether or not you smoke a cigarette or not. Your ability to resist a tobacco craving makes you one step closer to ending the addiction for life.

Let’s look at 10 ways to help you overcome the urge to smoke or use tobacco when a craving strikes.

Find Your Reason

You need a personal reason to quit smoking, not because someone else wants you to. It may be to lower your chance of getting lung cancer, heart disease, or other health-related conditions. Your reason may be to protect your family from the exposure to secondhand smoke, or to look and feel younger. Choose a reason that is strong enough to kill the urge completely.

Be Prepared

Smoking is an addiction; it’s more than just tossing your cigarettes out. The brain is hooked on nicotine. Without it, you’ll go through withdrawal. So you have to line up support in advance. Ask your doctor about all the methods than will help, such as counselling, quit-smoking classes and apps, medication, and hypnosis.

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Consider Nicotine-Replacement Therapy

When you quit smoking, nicotine withdrawal may affect your mood, give you headaches, or sap your energy. The craving for “just one drag” is hard. Nicotine-replacement therapy can help to curtail this unhealthy urge. According to several studies, lozenges, nicotine gum, and patches improve your chances of success when you’re also in a quit-smoking program.

Get to know about Prescription Pills

Medicines can control cravings and may also make smoking less satisfying if you do pick up a cigarette. Other medications can relieve withdrawal symptoms, such as problems with focus or depression.

Lean on Your Loved Ones For Help

Tell your family, friends and other people you’re close to that you’re trying to quit. They can cheer you to keep going, especially when you’re tempted to pick up that stick and light up.

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Avoid Alcohol

Do well to steer clear from alcohol and other triggers because when you drink, it’s difficult to stick to your no-smoking goal. So try to limit or avoid the rate at which you consume alcohol when you first quit tobacco. Similarly, if you often smoke when you drink coffee, switch to tea for a few weeks. If you usually smoke after meals, find something else to do instead, like brushing your teeth, taking a walk, or chewing gum.

Clean House

Once you’ve smoked your last cigarette, toss all of your ashtrays and lighters away. Wash any clothing that has even the faintest smell of tobacco. Clean your upholstery, carpets, and draperies. Use air fresheners to get rid of that accustomed odor. Clean out your car properly if you smoked in it. This is to avoid anything that will act as a constant reminder to the habit you are trying to quit.

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Get Moving

You have to stay active; that can help curb nicotine cravings and ease some withdrawal symptoms. When you want to reach for a cigarette, carry out a mild exercise like walking your dog or pulling weeds in the garden. The calories you burn will also ward off weight gain as you stop smoking.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

It is advisable not to go on a diet while you quit cigarettes. Too much food deprivation can have a bad repercussion. Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

READ ALSO: 8 Effective Ways to Quit Tobacco Smoking

Try and Try Again

Many people try several times before quitting cigarettes completely. If you light up, don’t get dispirited, instead think about what led to your setback, such as your emotions. Use it as a chance to step up your commitment to quitting tobacco. Make the decision to try again and set a “quit date” within the next month.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/10-best-tips-to-quit-smoking-cigarette-forever/

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