On World No Tobacco Day, we bring to you some effective alternatives to smoking. So find out what works for you and kick the habit today.
World No Tobacco Day: 7 million people die every year because of tobacco use
HIGHLIGHTS
- If you quit smoking, the risks of many diseases reduce considerably.
- Chose from a wide range of alternatives to smoking and kick the habit.
- For smokers, cigarettes are like pacifiers leading to an oral fixation.
On World No Tobacco Day, DoctorNDTV lists some wide range of 'alternatives' to smoking, some of which have become very popular over the past decade.
Read the following 7 tips to see what works for you:
1. Chew gum
For many smokers, cigarettes are like pacifiers. Scientists have found that it's not just the nicotine in cigarettes that gets people hooked - its the oral fixation too which is the sensation of having something in the mouth as well. Chewing sugarfree gum is a great alternative for such people, as it satiates the craving for working your mouth. It also keeps the acidity levels in the mouth balanced and is good for your teeth and gums, unlike cigarettes.
2. Have dark chocolate
Eating dark chocolate is a great substitute for smoking. This is because it also increases dopamine levels in the brain much like the nicotine in cigarettes. Dopamine causes feelings of joy, pleasure and satisfaction and is one of the principal neurotransmitters in the brain. So next time you get the urge to smoke, grab a piece of dark chocolate.
3. Do Yoga
Yoga is one of the best alternatives to smoking, especially for those who tend to smoke when they're stressed or tired. There are quite a few asanas that can help you relax and calm down. To add to this, yoga even burns calories and will help you get in shape.
4. Run or any other physical exercise
Like yoga, running is also a great stress buster that works as an alternative to smoking. Smokers may find running difficult initially, as smoking greatly reduces lung capacity and function. However, this is reversible, and smokers will notice a dramatic change once they quit the habit and persist with exercise. The endorphins released after running lift your mood and provide a sense of satisfaction and this activity has immense health benefits too.
Like yoga, running is also a great stress buster that works as an alternative to smoking. Smokers may find running difficult initially, as smoking greatly reduces lung capacity and function. However, this is reversible, and smokers will notice a dramatic change once they quit the habit and persist with exercise. The endorphins released after running lift your mood and provide a sense of satisfaction and this activity has immense health benefits too.
5. Eat vegetable sticks
The American Cancer Society suggests chewing raw vegetables, such as carrot sticks, to keep your mouth busy can help replace the oral habit of smoking. Carrot sticks are particularly healthy alternative because they’re loaded with beta-carotene, which helps prevent night blindness, and constipation-fighting fiber. You could also try celery sticks, radishes, bell pepeprs etc.
6. Try flavoured toothpicks
Flavoured toothpicks work like sugarfree gum as they satisfy the oral fixation and also keep your teeth clean. These toothpicks come in a variety of flavors that can last for several hours.
7. Keep your hands busy
Keeping your hands occupied can prevent you from putting tobacco to your lips. Any activity that forces your hands to be constantly on the move can do the trick. Consider starting a blog about your smoking-cessation journey or blogging about your efforts to fight your nicotine cravings.
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