Last time out, we talked about smoking and its numerous life threatening effects on the different parts of the human body system. We learned that smoking is a leading cause of numerous cancer types, causes damage to blood vessels and impairs heart function, affects reproduction, causes blindness and could cause impotence in men, these among many more were consequences attributed to smoking.

In addition to these, the increase in mental decline, early aging and reduced life expectancy are warning signs and reasons enough for anyone to quit smoking. We are aware it is easier said than done, especially when it has become an addiction. However, hope is definitely not lost as there are numerous options available to help quit smoking. The beginning of a step in the right direction actually begins with the will and decision to quit smoking.

The different measures that can be employed on your journey to quitting are as follows:

• Preparation: Like all important objectives we set out to achieve, the objective to quit smoking has to be well defined, practical, realistic and have a time frame. It is important to have a fixed date for which you set your mind on to totally quit smoking. For some people that quit the smoking habit, it was a gradual tapering of the habit, while others stopped on the fixed date. Either of the options are known to be as effective as the other, so choose what works for you.
• The use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRTs): NRTsare special treatments that provide little regular nicotine doses to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms that individuals experience when trying to quit the smoking habit. They come in the form of patches, gums, nasal sprays and inhalers. It is important to consult your doctor in order to get expert medical advice on which of the options might be necessary and best suit you. There are also non-nicotine medications such as Varenicline and Bupropion that work on specific brain centers that control the craving for smoking. These can also be employed in your journey to quitting smoking under the guidance of your medical doctor.
• Identify your triggers and abstain from them: Triggers are basically anything that reminds you of smoking, it could be the place you used to smoke e.g. clubs, parties, secluded spots, etc. It could be stress or other situations, it could be friends who you indulge in the habit with in the past. It is important that you do a self-evaluation and put structures in place to help abstain from these triggers.
• Mind games: The journey to quitting smoking has a lot to do with the mind, and it is imperative that you actively train your mind for possible slip ups. Just like nature, the mind abhors vacuum, smoking is an activity your mouth has been accustomed to, the activity has to be replaced by something else such as chewing gums, candy, chewing fruits, anything that provides some sort of satisfaction and yet healthy.

When cravings come, delaying the urge to satisfy and engaging in an activity could be helpful, even when it feels like just a smoke stick would not hurt, you have to remind yourself that one will lead to two, three and eventually on and on, so it is a no go area.

• Physical activity: Cravings forsmoking often comes when idle, so exercise could come in handy such as jogging, taking a walk, skipping, etc. for some of us who do not have the luxury of engaging in exercise, house chores that are exerting could also do the trick.
• Support: The journey to quitting smoking can be quite challenging some step along the way, sometimes the inner strength and drive to keep going could fizzle out, it is at times like this that external support come in handy to save the day. Support can come from family and friends who are committed to your journey to freedom from smoking. It could be from counselors, support group therapy, online resources, etc. You must keep constant communication with support mechanisms and make yourself accountable.
• Reason for decision: The reasons for deciding to quit smoking should be written down and meditated on regularly to help you maintain focus on the reason for embarking on the journey in the first place. The reasons range from health benefits, ethical issues, impact on family and loved ones, etc.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step in the right direction, you can start your journey today. For enquiries, help and consultations, you can reach us on our Contact us page.