10 Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking is injurious to health! We all know it, but still many people are addicted to smoking and no single day begins or ends without a cigarette.

But every time you light one up, you are increasing your risk of lung, bladder, pancreatic, mouth, esophageal and other cancers. Smoking also increases your risk of heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, thin bones, obesity and lots more.

In addition, smoking affects mental capacity and memory as well as increasing the likelihood of impotence and reducing fertility. Smoking during pregnancy also affects the unborn child. Women who smoke while pregnant often give birth to low-birth-weight, premature babies.

It’s hard to stop smoking, especially when it is ingrained as a daily ritual. And quitting cold turkey is not an easy task.

The nicotine from cigarettes provides a temporary high. When your body does not get the regular nicotine fix, you experience physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Nicotine withdrawal begins quickly, say within 30 to 60 minutes of the last cigarette. The withdrawal can last for several weeks and varies from person to person. Some common withdrawal symptoms include cravings to have a cigarette, irritability, anger, anxiety, nervousness, concentration problems, restlessness, increased appetite, insomnia, fatigue, reduced heart rate and headaches.

No matter how difficult it is to cope with the withdrawal symptoms, know that they are only temporary. The symptoms will stop as soon as the toxins are flushed from your body.

Always remember this good news: Many smokers have quit, and you can also do it!

To successfully quit smoking, you’ll need strong determination and the willpower to work through the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Also, you need a good plan to start the process, including when you want to quit as well as all the reasons for quitting.

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