Quit Smoking: A Worthy Challenge to Fight

 

Source- ScoopWhoop

Tobacco is not new in human history. It has a long history of existence, but cigarettes are not that old. It was considered invented in Europe in the sixties. As it gets popular their adverse effect on health was also seen. A regular smoker tends to die 10 years earlier than someone who never smokes. Smoking cigarettes is very addictive. It is not a simple habit but it becomes a physical need if you smoke regularly. That's why quitting smoking is not a simple process. But in my opinion, it is worth taking this challenge. This article will help you in your challenge.       

Why Smoking is So Addictive?

Why smoking is so addictive or you can say why it is so hard to quit smoking. Because smoking contains Nicotine, A very addictive chemical compound that is present in tobacco. This powerful chemical can change the way our minds work. When we smoke, nicotine gets absorbed by our bloodstream, and seconds after smoking it reaches our brains. Nicotine helps the brain to release dopamine. 

Dopamine is a good chemical that helps the mind to feel happy. Naturally, dopamine gets released when we have happy moments like when we are playing, having our favourite food, having excitement, and having positive emotions but the bad part is, slowly our brain gets addicted to this dopamine to get happy again. 

Over time the brain starts craving nicotine. Just like our stomach gets a craving for food, our mind will crave nicotine. Nicotine becomes your physical need. That makes quitting smoking very hard. you have to fight your brain's cravings.   

Why We Should Consider Quitting Smoking? 

I don’t think we need an argument about quitting smoking. Even cigarette packets have enough reason to quit smoking “Smoking Kills”. There are lots of health issues due to smoking, let me point out some. 80-90 per cent of lung cancer death are due to smoking. Throat cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, erectile and sexual dysfunction, and many more diseases are due to smoking. 

Other than this, smoking puts you in a sad mood, you will get irritated more frequently, and skin diseases are more prone to smokers. Second-hand smoke is also dangerous for the people around you. If you have children or parents, you should consider quitting smoking for them too.

Benefits of Quit Smoking 

I am writing this from my own experience. The first and foremost thing you will get by quitting is the confidence to quit smoking. You will feel good breaths and a feeling of freedom from disease. After quitting you will start feeling healthier than before. You will not cough or have a sore throat as frequently as earlier. You will feel energetic and fresh most of the time. 

Your sense of smell and taste will improve. The freshness and the charm of your face will recover soon. Slowly your heart and lungs will start recovering and you will feel healthier than before. Your personal or sex life will get improve. Last but not least you will start saving a lot of money.      

Methods of Quit Smoking 

There are many methods for quitting smoking and there are many studies that support each of these methods. So, it is not important which method is best but which method is best suited to you. it depends on your nature, your dedication, and your strength. I am listing some of the methods for quitting smoking.

1. Cold Turkey: This is the way of quitting smoking without any outside supplements. This method takes you to choose a date for quitting and quit on your chosen date. Then hellbent on your decision. This method needs a strong dedication but the good part of this method is you will start feeling less craving just after 5-7 days. If hellbent is your strength then cold turkey can be the best method for you.

2. Reduced it Slowly: This method suggests you cut down your count of cigarettes gradually. Fix a target for yourself and be with your plan. reduced your frequency of smoking slowly. This method needs a long and steady dedication. If slow and steadiness is your strength then this method can be the best for you.

3. Nicotine Replacement Therapy: There is nicotine replacement therapy where you have to fulfil your brain's craving for nicotine from other sources like nicotine patches, nicotine gum, or cigarette without tobacco. Nicotine replacement therapy has a success rate but before using this method, you need to consult an expert on this therapy. You may need some medical support and health assessment before starting nicotine therapy.

There are many other methods of quitting but this three are quite famous and effective. 95 per cent of people who try to quit have tried one of these methods.           

How to Prevent Relapse 

Relapse is a very common problem of quitting process. 95 per cent of smokers try one or more-time quitting smoking but relapse and start again. Similarly, 99 per cent of people who successfully quit smoking also relapsed one or more times but did not start again. So, it is just a matter of your dedication, and how hellbent you are on your decision. You have to understand that relapse is very common and you don't have to start again after any time of relapse. 

Some are the basic tips that help you to be dedicated enough are, announcing your quitting journey with your family, friends, and co-workers, giving some visual reward to yourself like having a money pot, and adding money every day when you did not smoke. Mark your calendar, use mobile applications, and many more. Most importantly “don’t quit” your “quitting journey”.    

Conclusion

Quitting smoking may be a tough journey but it is worth walking. It is not only harmful to you but to people all around you. It put you at a less energy level and always in sadly and irritated mood. So, I dare you to accept this challenge and take it to your heart and complete it. There are many ways to get help. Many mobile applications are free to use, many books to read, and many more online resources.  The government of India also provides free resources. You can visit www.nhm.gov.in for more information.      

Written by Sarfaraz Equal