Over seven million people die worldwide due to the adverse health effects of consuming tobacco mostly taken through smoking. While most smokers are aware of the health implications of this nasty habit, they still struggle hard to eliminate addictive nicotine present in the tobacco substances from their system.

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Now living in the times of COVID-19, an infection that causes significant damage to the lungs, it becomes imperative to take additional care of your respiratory organs. Today, on World No-Tobacco Day, here are a few tips for smokers to kick the habit once and for all.

Replace Nicotine

When you attempt to quit smoking after years of consumption, the body repeatedly craves nicotine. The best way to make your body relax and understand the change is to try nicotine replacement therapy. Now, this requires expert medical advice so one must consult a doctor to understand what’s best for them.

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A doctor can facilitate the journey by prescribing nicotine nasal spray or inhaler, can suggest nicotine gums and patches available for quitters. In some cases, a medical expert can even prescribe non-nicotine medications.

In any case, such medications or non-nicotine products must not be taken without a doctor’s prescription or in the absence of a medical professional.

Exercise

Exercise is a scientifically proven effective way to help ‘mission quit smoking’ as it reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms and helps your mind and body relax. 

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Just 10 minutes of regular stretching, running and meditation can go a long way in reducing the after-effects of quitting smoke.

Increase Vitamin B and C intake

Studies suggest that smokers have a lower concentration of Vitamin B and C when compared to non-smokers and thus increasing your intake of these vitamins will help fill the needed vacuum.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help protect the lungs from the oxidative stress that cigarette smoke can cause, while vitamin B, also known as anti-stress vitamins, helps release toxins and stress that can lower your nicotine cravings.

Avoid alcohol

Various studies show high relapse rates in those reeling with alcohol disorders and the two practices generally go hand in hand.

Thus, if you are someone who is struggling hard to quit smoking, make sure you don’t overdo the alcohol part to fill the gap.

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Patience, patience and patience

None of these ways are going to work if you don’t have the will and patience to go through this rough journey. Quitting a habit as addictive as smoking isn’t going to be easy, regular cravings, triggers, stress, and nicotine withdrawal symptoms will pull you back to square one. The only tip that can help you beat all of that is patience and willpower.

Start reading if you feel trouble sleeping, have a bite of your favourite food when craving for a cigarette and distract yourself with a movie or song or a fun night with friends.