Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death around the world. Not only does it affect an active smoker but also a passive smoker.
It increases the risk of developing more than 50 health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, lung diseases, diabetes, and stroke. If you are an active smoker, you should consider quitting or finding an alternative to help you stop smoking.
Why is quitting so hard?
The reason behind why it is difficult to quit smoking is the fact that nicotine is addictive. Cigarettes are designed to deliver nicotine content to the brain, which triggers the release of feel-good chemicals. As nicotine keeps stimulating the brain over and over, the brain gets used to nicotine being around. Over time, nicotine influences the brain and makes it seem like it cannot work without nicotine.
When you deprive the brain of nicotine through smoking withdrawal, the brain gets irritable. The result makes you upset or anxious. Also, you will have a hard time trying to sleep or concentrate, along with strong urges to smoke. The feeling gets better with time as the brain gets used to not having nicotine.
Benefits of quitting
Quitting smoking is one of the crucial actions you can take to improve your health. This is true irrespective of how long you have been smoking. Although quitting earlier is more beneficial, quitting later in life is also a merit to your health. Some benefits of quitting include decreased risks of heart diseases, lower risk of cancer, thinner blood and improved immune system, stronger muscles and bones as well as better vision and hearing.
Tips to help you quit smoking
For most smokers, the urge to smoke is usually powerful. However, this urge dies down within 5-10 minutes whether you smoke or not. Each time you do this, you are one step closer to quitting. Some people might have a hard time trying to resist the cravings. Here are other things you can do to help you out.
Avoid triggers
Urges to smoke are usually a result of recent situations. You could have either chewed, smoked, or had a sip of coffee. Identify your triggers or situations that lead to urges and avoid them entirely. Don’t create an instance where you want to smoke. For instance, if you usually smoke during a phone call, consider having a pen and paper to occupy yourself. This is one reason we love zero nicotine diffusers because diffusers are the perfect way to soothe your senses, without using a nicotine-containing product.
Consider a replacement like nicotine pouches
The urge to smoke can sometimes be too strong to resist, and this is where you should consider a replacement. Different medications can help you quench your urges. These medications usually contain nicotine. Alternatively, it would be best if you chose nicotine pouches from online stores like prilla.
A nicotine pouch is a smokeless form of nicotine that does not have tobacco in it. The substance comes in small bags that you place between the gum and lip. Nicotine pouches come in different flavors, including mint and citrus. This is a safer alternative to help you quit smoking.
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