Everybody is aware of the health risks of smoking, yet, many people worldwide continue to smoke – 1.1 billion to be exact. This is because everybody functions differently and there is no one-size-fits-all quitting solution. Fortunately, there are a number of methods available for smokers to choose from that can bring about a change in their lives.
Following are some effective ways that can help smokers get started on their journey to quit smoking:
Plan to quit
Deciding on quitting is the foremost and crucial step toward smoking cessation. Make a promise, set a date, and stick to it. Some smokers successfully quit by going cold turkey, most people do better with a tailored plan to keep themselves on track. If you’ve resolutely decided on quitting, then you need a plan that addresses all the necessary challenges and ways to overcome them that will help you on your journey.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary improvements can increase your chance of successfully quitting smoking. A study about the impact of lifestyle on long-term smoking cessation concluded that permanent changes in lifestyle seem to promote a more enduring smoke-free life and individuals who want to quit smoking should be encouraged to increase their level of physical activity. Eating and drinking healthy items such as vegetables, fruit, dairy, etc. can also prove to be an impactful factor in reducing cigarette harm.
Less-harmful alternatives
The best choice any smoker can make is to quit tobacco altogether, but for smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke, there is relief in the form of less harmful, smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes which include a wide range of products such as e-cigarettes, vapes, heated tobacco products (HTPs), nicotine patches, and snuff, etc. These products eliminate the burning of tobacco which otherwise results in the release of harmful toxins in the form of cigarette smoke. So instead of continuing to smoke, adult smokers can consider switching to these scientifically-substantiated less-harmful alternatives to reduce harm to their health.
Professional help
Many people may find it difficult to quit smoking on their own or suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms resulting in relapse. This is because the emotional and physical dependence on smoking makes it a challenging task for them. To tackle this dependence, smokers can seek therapy which can provide them with extra support and can be helpful in addressing and treating the causes of their smoking habit.
Peer support
Just like professional support can prove to be quite helpful, support from your family members, friends, and colleagues can also make a huge difference. Apart from that, smokers can join peer support groups and engage with other smokers who are trying to quit. Talking to people in similar situations and learning about their journey can be motivating and make you realize that you are not alone in this.
While smoking cessation may be hard to maintain, it is not impossible. With the right methods and support, smokers can get rid of this toxic habit and continue to lead happier and healthier life.