In the United States, more men (15.6%) reported to have smoked cigarettes daily than women (12%) in a survey back in 2018. For many years, products like cigarettes were primarily marketed towards the male audience with ad campaigns that played on themes of ruggedness and power. Many have since picked up the habit, thinking it makes them look cool or gives them a sense of control. But people often start smoking due to stress or peer pressure, leading to addiction.
If you’re a smoker, quitting smoking cigarettes is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and extend your life. Smoking can cause serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and emphysema. In fact, smoking leads to over 480,000 preventable deaths in the United States every year. Moreover, cigarette smoking affects your health and the health of those around you through secondhand smoke. Although it may be challenging to quit smoking cigarettes, it is important to make a commitment to do so for your health. Here are some tips on how to quit smoking for good:
Get Support
If you’re trying to quit smoking, it’s important to consult with your doctor. They can provide you with tips and advice on how to quit, as well as recommend nicotine replacement therapies or other medications that can help make the process easier. This will help you ease into quitting smoking. Likewise, if you know someone else who’s also trying to quit, you can help each other out by reminding each other about your health and lifestyle goals.
Aside from your doctor, it can also be incredibly helpful to have support from family and friends. They can provide encouragement and motivation when you need it the most and help keep you on track during the quitting process. They can offer words of encouragement, practical advice, and moral support when you need it most. If possible, try to surround yourself with people who don’t smoke, so you’re not constantly being tempted to relapse.
Get Rid of Smoking Items and Find New Hobbies
If you’re serious about quitting smoking, it’s time to eliminate all the items that remind you of cigarettes. This includes cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters, and any other smoking paraphernalia. Don’t keep them around as a temptation. If you don’t have easy access to these items, it will be easier to quit. You should also refrain from going to places where you often go to smoke, like a bar, club, or even the nearby smoking area at work. Exposure to the smoke might trigger your cravings and cause you to relapse.
To help keep your mind off smoking, find new hobbies and interests that you can focus on. This can be anything from picking up a new sport, taking up a fitness routine, or starting a new craft or project. It’s important to have something to occupy your time and your hands, so you’re not tempted to reach for a cigarette. You can also use this to socialize with other people who don’t smoke.
Clean Your Home and Car
If you’re trying to quit smoking, cleaning your home and car interior can help you avoid the cigarette smoke smell that can trigger you to want to smoke. This is especially helpful in the first few weeks after you’ve quit smoking when you’re likely to be most tempted to start again. To start with, have your home and car interior professionally cleaned. These services can remove the build-up of tar and nicotine stains that’s accumulated over time. At home, you should also regularly clean all surfaces, using a mixture of white vinegar and water. This will help to remove any lingering smells of cigarette smoke, especially if you leave them out for a few days to deodorize your home.
When it comes to your HVAC system, consider investing in some air purifiers for your home. These can help remove any lingering smells of cigarette smoke, especially if you’ve been smoking at home for a long time. Aside from replacing your air filters every 3 months, you can also consider getting upgrades, such as a UV light purifier. This will further support your air filtration by dealing with air contaminants. Not only will this help you get rid of cigarette pollutants, but also other airborne bacteria and mold spores. You can achieve an airborne pathogen-free environment by getting a UV light air purification system that can thoroughly clean your indoor air. This will help you avoid any health risks associated with secondhand smoke and create a better environment for your family.
By committing to quitting immediately, you can give yourself the best chance of success. Remember that it won’t be easy, but it is worth it! Quitting smoking will improve your health in both the short and long run-so don’t hesitate any longer and get started today.
