According to statistics, 70 percent of the 46 million Americans who smoke claim that they would like to quit. With most of this number wishing they could kick the habit and adopt some healthier lifestyle choices, it begs the question of why so many struggle to do so.
While the obvious answer is that smoking is addictive, it’s not only the physical cravings that can get the better of people, but also the psychological habits they form. That’s because lots of individuals find that lighting up a cigarette is almost reflexive – a way to destress and soothe themselves in much the same way as a child might rely on a pacifier.
Understanding this can contribute toward getting on top of the issue, by providing some valuable insights into how best to combat cravings. With this in mind, here are four effective ways to kick smoking to the curb for good.
Switch cigarettes for ice-cold water
If holding a cigarette feels like second nature to you, you’re most certainly not alone, which is why it can be a good idea to keep something to hand to substitute it with. According to many, a bottle of ice-cold water can work well. While it’s far healthier than smoking and will deliver numerous health benefits, what staying hydrated will also do is fill the craving to have something to hold onto and raise to your lips. Even better, drinking plenty is shown to speed up your metabolism and eliminate toxins from your body, meaning it’s likely to accelerate the deaddiction process.
Try snus
Another option is to try snus. According to the experts, quitting smoking is often best done by degrees, so sometimes the best place to start is by adopting an alternative method to help you get your nicotine fix. Snus, which is tobacco-free and available in lots of different flavors, can work well. Available to buy from here, it still contains the necessary chemicals to sate your cravings, but is less likely to stain your teeth and nails or result in an unpleasant smell.
Vape CBD oil
If you want to switch smoking out for something altogether less harmful but not entirely different in its methods, you could also try vaping CBD oil. Not only is this substance free from damaging chemicals, but it has an antianxiety effect too, which can help to calm and relax those who are struggling with cravings. In fact, some people claim it can help you to forget the urge to have a cigarette altogether.
Keep healthy snacks to hand
Last but not least, there are those who suggest that one of the reasons they can’t quit smoking is because doing so causes them to gain weight. While this may not make any sense on the surface, it’s because these individuals are used to have something to do with their mouths, so when they can’t smoke, they tend to snack instead. A simple solution is to make sure that what you’re eating is healthy, so carrot sticks, cucumber batons, nuts, and fruit can all come in handy. Keep a stash of these constantly to hand, and piling on the pounds should no longer be a problem.
Isn’t it time you tried these four top tips today to help you kick your own unwanted habit?
