5 Expert Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolution of Quitting Smoking a Success
Quitting smoking is no easy task, but with more and more nicotine replacements available, such as vapes, patches and gums, many smokers are now finding it easier than ever to cut out cigarettes for good.
The New Year is fast approaching, and many will be making it their 2023 resolution to quit smoking. But with the challenges that come with quitting smoking, the experts at the disposable vape brand, Blo Bar, have provided five science-backed ways to make your chances of successfully quitting smoking more achievable.
Vaping
The use of e-cigarettes has grown in popularity over the years, as they are a much healthier way to consume nicotine without the damaging health effects smoking has. E-cigarettes do not produce carbon monoxide or tar, which are two of the most harmful elements of tobacco smoke, meaning vapers can still get their nicotine fix with a less detrimental effect on their health.
As well, vapers do not experience yellowing of fingernails, as well as a smokey smell on their clothes, fingertips or breath.
Vaping takes many forms today, particularly with the huge surge in disposable vapes in the last 5 years. Vapers have access to a variety of different flavours, whether that’s in the form of a disposable vape or different e-liquids. Nicotine-free options are also available in the form of disposable vape pens and e-liquids so that vapers can still enjoy the motions of vaping without nicotine.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy comes in various different forms, such as patches, gums, and inhalers – all of which give you a hit of nicotine as a substitute for a cigarette. According to the NHS, it works by providing a lower level of nicotine to your body without any of the other poisonous chemicals that come with smoking
The purpose of nicotine replacements is to reduce your cravings for a cigarette. Nicotine patches are most often attached to your arm and feed nicotine into your body as you go about your day, so you don’t have to think about reaching for a cigarette.
Identify your triggers
There are certain things that can trigger nicotine cravings, so it’s best to identify these in order to work your way around them. This means you can avoid them once you’ve quit, or work out how you will conquer your cravings during any triggers to make your chances of remaining a non-smoker more likely.
Triggers can differ for each individual, so it’s best to come up with a plan that will work for you. For example, some may find that being around other smokers when smoking could be tempting. In this instance, you could talk about your decision to quit and explain your triggers, if you’re comfortable so that people know to be more mindful around you.
Alcohol is also a common trigger when smoking. In this case, you could lower your intake of alcohol, or, bring a cigarette alternative with you when drinking, such as a disposable vape, to cure your cravings.
Keep your hands and mouth busy
If you miss the feeling of a cigarette in your hand or the motion of bringing your hand to your mouth when smoking, there are substitutes you can use.
Simple things such as sucking on a straw, chewing gum, or eating carrot sticks can occupy your hands, rather than using a cigarette. This is why vaping has become so popular, as it involves the same actions and processes as smoking does.
Come up with a plan
While some smokers can successfully quit by going cold turkey, it is not recommended. Most people find they are more successful with a tailored plan to keep themselves on track.
A quitting smoking plan addresses both the short-term challenge of stopping smoking and the long-term challenge of preventing relapse. It should also be tailored to your specific needs and smoking habits.
A useful technique is to use the START technique
Set a quit date
Choose a date as soon as possible, but give yourself enough time to prepare without losing your motivation to quit. If you mainly smoke at work, quit on the weekend, so you have a few days to adjust to the change.
Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit
Let your friends and family in on your plan to quit smoking, and tell them you need their support and encouragement to stop. Look for a quit buddy who wants to stop smoking too, as you can help each other through the potential challenges.
Anticipate and plan for the challenges you’ll face while quitting
Most people who begin smoking again do so within the first three months of attempting to quit. You can help yourself stay on track by preparing ahead for common challenges, such as nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings. Find a method that works for you, such as vaping or nicotine replacements, and always have them on hand to avoid reverting back to old habits.
Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and work
Dispose of your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and matches. Wash your clothes and freshen up anything that smells like smoke. Shampoo your car, clean your drapes and carpet, and steam your furniture, so you aren’t constantly reminded of the smell.
Talk to your doctor about getting help to quit
Your doctor can prescribe medication to help with withdrawal symptoms. If you can’t see a doctor, you can get many products over the counter at your local pharmacy, including nicotine patches, lozenges, gum and disposable vapes.
