World No Tobacco Day 2022: Eight Ways to Quit Smoking and Live a Better Life

How often do you hear about World No Tobacco Day?

Each year, on May 31, countries around the world celebrate this day by educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use and encouraging them to quit if they smoke or chew tobacco regularly. The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2022 – ‘Tobacco is killing us and our planet ‘ The campaign is aimed to raise awareness among the public .In preparation for World No Tobacco Day 2022, here are Eight ways to quit smoking and live a better life…

Staying busy makes the time pass

There’s no quick fix for stopping smoking, but staying busy during those first few weeks can make it easier. If you typically only smoke at certain times of day or in certain situations, make sure to schedule some activities around those triggers. Instead of lighting up with your coffee in the morning, plan an early-morning run with friends. Instead of lighting up after work, use that time to cook dinner. Giving yourself things to do that involve movement will keep your mind off cigarettes and help you stay occupied while craving kicks in—and let’s be honest: The more you stay busy, the less time you have to think about how badly you want a cigarette.

Acknowledge your addiction

Addiction is tough to kick, but you can do it. The most important step is recognizing that you have an addiction, because many people think they’re too smart or too strong for an addiction. Chances are you’re not, so start there. After you’ve acknowledged your addiction, seek help from friends and family members who have been through what you’re going through—they will be able to connect with your struggles on a personal level and support you as you face them head-on. Also reach out for professional help if necessary; smoking cessation medications like nicotine patches are available over-the-counter in any pharmacy (here are some extra tips on how to quit). Just remember: You can do it!

Commit to quit

How about committing to quit smoking on World No Tobacco Day 2022? There are more than 300 million tobacco users in our world, that’s nearly 1/10 of all adults. It is estimated that tobacco will kill one billion people in our lifetimes. When you consider that nearly 80% of smokers wish they could quit, it should be obvious what your first step is on World No Tobacco Day 2022—commit to quitting. Commitment means not only deciding you want to quit but also setting a date and taking concrete steps toward getting there—beginning by getting rid of your cigarettes. Start by throwing away half of your supply now so you won’t have them when you decide it’s time for good.

Stay away from people who smoke

It may sound odd, but experts say that meditation is one of the best ways to fight tobacco addiction. By calming your mind, it helps lower stress levels and make quitting feel easier. In addition, if you’re not sure how you can live life without cigarettes, practicing mindfulness can help you figure out what steps you want to take in order to improve your overall quality of life. It’s also great for preventing relapse—half of those who successfully quit smoking after six months will start again within one year. If meditation isn’t your thing, try relaxation exercises like deep breathing or listening to music. Your brain will thank you later on when there aren’t nicotine cravings clouding it up!

Find something else in place of cigarettes

Whether you use nicotine gum, lozenges, or just rely on will power, there are plenty of options for quitters. Many people who try to kick cigarettes end up finding that they’re too addicted; if that happens, they might want to try replacing nicotine with something else. Try an alternative like Swedish snus or American smokeless tobacco in lieu of smoking—though many experts warn that doing so can lead to oral cancer. If you really want to cut out all forms of nicotine (including e-cigarettes), ask your doctor about prescription medications such as Chantix or Zyban. You may also want to look into hypnosis or acupuncture for additional support in quitting smoking—or even talk therapy if you feel like it could help you through tough spots during your process.

Meditate

Many smokers think they’re addicted to nicotine, but what they don’t realize is that their body is also addicted to water. While quitting cold turkey is possible for some people, most experts recommend weaning yourself off cigarettes by drinking more water—not just while you smoke, but all day long. Increasing your intake of H2O will not only make it easier for you to cope with cravings, but it will also help you stay hydrated. The more hydrated you are, the healthier your lungs will be; reducing lung dryness makes it easier for you to cough up toxins when (and if) you choose quit smoking. Moreover, staying hydrated can actually increase your cravings for nicotine.

Drink water

There’s no magic bullet when it comes to smoking cessation, but according to many health experts, one of your best options is quitting altogether. In fact, one study found that smokers who quit cold turkey are twice as likely to live at least five years than those who try to quit with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The main thing you can do? Drink more water. A healthy hydration regimen can help combat anxiety and cravings related to withdrawal. Ultimately, staying well-hydrated is going help keep you from succumbing to tobacco temptations or feeling like you need them in order for your mind or body function properly.

Yoga

New research shows that there are other ways you can use yoga for stress relief besides just doing your downward dog. The practice of yoga has been around for thousands of years, and it’s no secret that it works wonders at reducing stress. Whether you do your stretches in a Bikram studio or your garage, yoga can help reduce tension in your mind and body through meditation, breathing exercises, mindfulness—and even some light exercise.