Video Credit: Getty
According to WHO, tobacco addiction leads to 8 million deaths each year worldwide and cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use.
Smoking severely affects your lungs. It also puts you at a higher risk of developing cancer, heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, COPD and much more.
Exposure to second-hand smoke is alarmingly dangerous, especially to kids. Constant exposure can cause severe health problems.
Quitting is not an easy task. It is a process which requires persistent efforts. Managing cravings can help you to quit and lead a better life.
Your loved ones play a vital role in motivating you to quit. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, talk to someone who supports and understands your problem.
Sit down and prepare a to-do list. Perform all the enlisted tasks each day to keep yourself busy. It will make you think less about the need to smoke.
Physical activity is good for your overall health and helps fight cravings too. Go for a walk, climb stairs or perform some simple exercises.
Make a phone call, go for a walk, spend time with your family or indulge in other activities to distract yourself. It will help cut back on those irresistible cravings.
You are more likely to grab those cigarettes when stressed. Try stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, music therapy and more.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy includes options like patches, gums, or sublingual tablets. These supply low doses of nicotine but are free of toxins found in smoke. NRT helps overcome cravings making it easier to quit.
When trying to quit you may experience withdrawal symptoms like sweating, nausea, anxiety, irritability and headache. It is important to stay nourished during this phase with the help of a well-balanced diet.
Contact an expert if you are finding it too hard to quit. An expert will draw a complete plan that can help you curb the habit.
Quitting is a journey through which you need to avoid all triggers. Each time you crave cigarettes, remind yourself of the benefits of a smoke-free life.
For More Stories like
this check out:
doctor.ndtv.com