Quitting Smoking: Why is it so Difficult to Stop the Habit?
Tobacco smoking, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is responsible for the deaths of about five million people each year. Despite the warning about how dangerous this habit is, some people simply cannot quit smoking. For those who have been able to do it, they say that quitting is the hardest thing they ever did.
It’s Difficult to Quit
Quitting smoking, for the most part, is difficult because cigarettes contain a highly addictive substance called nicotine. When inhaled, this goes quickly into the brain, causing a stress relief and a feeling of relaxation. This can also increase your heart and elevate your mood. These effects, however, are just short-lived.
When your body gets rid of the nicotine, it is likely that you will start to crave for another cigarette. In fact, you will start to experience signs of withdrawal shortly after finishing a stick. You will want to have another cigarette, which will then lead to a vicious cycle of dependency.
Kicking the Habit
While kicking the habit is difficult, it is definitely possible. Millions have been able to do it, so you can do it as well. One of the best ways to prepare living a smoke-free life is to find out your reasons for smoking, as well as the things that will happen when you stop. Common triggers include stress and spending more time with smokers.
If you truly want to quit, consider a quit smoking help program. This is will help you determine and cope with the problems associated when kicking the habit. This will also help you handle withdrawal and stress, and resist the urge to smoke.
You can also consider these suggestions:
- Limit caffeine intake, as it is a stimulant that can increase stress and heart rate. Caffeine can also keep you up all night, make you tense and cause you to smoke.
- Take care your health ad body by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and drinking lots of water. This will help you feel energised and more prepared to handle the daily pressures of life.
- If you smoke with friends or co-workers during break time, you need to tell them that you want to quit. You may want also to take a break with non-smokers or change your break schedule.
If you want a smoke-free life, be consistent with your efforts. Your body, particularly your heart and lungs, will thank you for doing so.
