What to Expect When Trying to Quit Smoking
One of the best things you can do to improve all aspects of your health is to quit smoking. Even if you have been a long-time smoker, quitting now can still reduce your risk of several diseases, including cancer, heart attack, and stroke.
Quitting also has several fringe benefits, including a cost savings, food will taste better because your sense of taste and smell will improve, and other people in your home who do not smoke will have a lower chance of developing a respiratory disorder.
While quitting isn’t easy, it sometimes helps to know what to expect. Centers Health Care has details on making a plan, sticking with it, and handling withdrawal symptoms.
Preparing to Quit
Once you’ve decided to quit, pick a day to start. And the most important part? Tell close family and friends. Not only will this create a support system for you, it will also hold you accountable to actually follow through and quit on the day you said that you would.
Stick With Your Plan
Be ready before you start with any medications on hand that might help with initial symptoms of withdrawal, and as time goes on, you can work on more natural ways to handle withdrawal instead of through medication.
Manage Your Withdrawal
When you have tough times, remember the reasons you decided to quit in the first place. Another strategy is to focus on something else when you have an urge, like meditating, drinking water, going for a walk, or chewing gum.
The cravings will pass, and you’ll have kept your body and mind occupied until that happens.
