Many people who smoke cigarettes dream of quitting. Whether they’ve tried to in the past or not, every cigarette smoker knows that it’s hard to stop.
Whatever the reason, many people start smoking as teens and young adults. It becomes part of their daily routine, and then suddenly they realize they’re addicted.
It’s so easy to become addicted to cigarettes, but quitting smoking is much harder — it takes a lot of willpower and a strong support system.
Many people who try to quit smoking know that it’s good for their health. Within 20 minutes of quitting smoking, you can start experiencing some of the health benefits!
And over the first few days, your body will start to adjust to no longer having tobacco and nicotine in your system.
But those first few days can be some of the most difficult.
Keep reading to find out some of the best tips for the first few days of quitting smoking!
Quitting Smoking Tip #1: Brush Your Teeth More Often
Many people who quit smoking may not notice the health benefits right away, but one benefit that’s immediately noticeable is the smell and taste of your mouth and breath.
Brushing your teeth often will keep your mouth feeling bright and fresh, and discourage you from smoking, explains WebMD.
Quitting Smoking Tip #2: Eat Small Meals
Whenever you feel a cigarette craving coming on, keep your mouth busy doing other things.
The CDC recommends that you eat a small snack, chew a stick of gum, or suck on a hard candy.
Quitting Smoking Tip #3: Avoid Alcohol
Many people slip back into smoking cigarettes when they’ve been drinking alcohol — when your self-control is compromised by drinking, it might be easier to start smoking again.
WebMD also explains that drinking, which is a social activity, often encourages social smoking — so it’s better to avoid it altogether.
Quitting Smoking Tip #4: Sip Through A Straw
This is such a small change, but it can make a big difference: sip through a straw anytime you drink.
WebMD explains that sipping cold water through a straw imitates the act of sucking on a cigarette — this can temporarily trick the brain into curbing the craving.
Quitting Smoking Tip #5: Keep Track Of Instant Rewards
Everyone knows that quitting smoking has some major health benefits, but there are a lot of smaller benefits of quitting as well.
WebMD explains that one of the things you should do when you quit smoking is to keep track of all the rewards, even the small ones — things like saving money, feeling more energetic, smelling better, and having stronger taste buds.
Keep track of these benefits — and be proud of yourself!
Quitting Smoking Tip #6: Cut Down On Caffeine
Caffeine may help people feel more awake and alert in the mornings, but it can also make people feel anxious, jittery, stressed out, and tense, explains WebMD.
People who are detoxing from nicotine may also feel jumpy and anxious, so if you’re coming off a cigarette addiction, you should avoid anything that increases those sensations.
Quitting Smoking Tip #7: Exercise More
When you start craving a cigarette, it may be because your energy level is dropping. Instead of smoking a cigarette, go outside, get some fresh air, and get a little physical activity in.
Quit Day explains that exercising can also give you a dopamine release, which can replace the rush you used to get from cigarettes.
This type of physical activity can also boost your energy level and help ward off a craving.
Quitting Smoking Tip #8: Create Your Own No-Smoking Zones
If you’re worried about caving in to your craving, force yourself to go somewhere that you can’t smoke — like a movie theater, a store, or a public park.
The CDC explains that you did this before and you can continue doing it, just employ the same methods you did before quitting.
Quitting Smoking Tip #9: Make Lots Of Plans
Making plans and filling your calendar can keep you distracted during times when you might be tempted to smoke.
In the first few weeks, try to keep your schedule full with things you need to and want to do. WebMD explains that the busier you are, the less you’ll pay attention to the urge to smoke.
Quitting Smoking Tip #10: Build A Support Network
The American Lung Association explains that one of the most important things you can do when trying to quit is having a good support system.
Tell your friends and family that you’re planning on quitting, and make sure they know you might need some help.
You can also try surrounding yourself with other people who are trying to quit — you can support one another through the wins and losses of quitting smoking.
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