Smoking is the leading cause of lung disease.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things that you can do for your lung health. Just twenty minutes after your last cigarette, your body starts to return back to normal.
But if it were easy to quit, everyone would do it, no problem. Quitting smoking is hard, but not impossible.
Here is how you can quit quickly and effectively. Put down the pack and step into your healthy lungs!
Build a Quit Smoking Plan
One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success is to come up with a plan and visualize success. Here are steps you can take for your plan:
- Understand your reasons for quitting.
- Set a quit date.
- Tell family and friends you plan to quit.
- Anticipate and plan for challenges.
- Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car and work.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about quit options.
- Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can come in the form of a pill, patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray or an inhaler.
Using nicotine to help quit smoking isn’t bad.
“A common misconception is that nicotine causes cancer,” said Ed Ellerbeck, M.D., M.P.H., co-leader of the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s Cancer Control & Population Health Program, and chair of the Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center. “It does not. Nicotine is terrible because of its addictive properties.”
Use an App
There are several quitting smoking apps that can help you on your journey to a smoke-free life. Some iPhone apps: Livestrong MyQuit Coach and Stop Smoking – Mindfulness Meditation App. Some Android apps: Quit Smoking and Quit Now!
Munch on Something
As a smoker, your mouth is used to staying busy. Give your mouth something to do by chewing gum or hard candy, or eating carrots, celery, nuts or sunflower seeds.
Stay Busy
Keep your mind busy, so you’re not thinking about cigarettes. Here are some things that you can do to stay busy:
- Go for a walk.
- Exercise
- Go to a movie.
- Go out to dinner at your favorite restaurant.
- Relax with deep breathing.
- Change your regular routine.
- Spend time with non-smokers.
- Drink a lot of water.
Stay Positive, and Remember Why You Quit
When you’re in the process of quitting, it can be difficult to remember why you quit in the first place. Whether it’s improving your health or looks, smelling better or just saving money, having a clear picture in your mind is key to your success.
Creating a collage of what your life looks like after cigarettes is a great way to remember why you quit.
While quitting smoking isn’t always easy, the benefits far outweigh the short-lived satisfaction of lighting up. Stay strong, and please share your success stories with us!
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, especially if you suffer from lung disease.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.