4 Suggestions to Help You Break Your Smoking Habit
By Virginia Laird
Smoking is an awful habit that can have a detrimental effect on your health. Whether you have smoked for years or just begun, it is time to consider stopping right away. Not only does smoking affect you and your health, but also the health of those who you smoke around. Health and wellness professionals have offered several tips on how to cut the habit, including:
- Join a support group
- Consider hypnosis
- Try the helpful patch or gum
- Consider starting a new healthy habit
Join a Support Group
There are plenty of benefits to joining a support group and there are a variety of support groups to join. One of the great benefits of attending a group is that you are surrounded by those who understand the struggle as well as the habit. Another benefit is, like with anything new, there are people to cheer you through your success and push you through the hard times. If you would like the support of a group, there are plenty of communities which offer help free of charge.
Consider Hypnosis
Hypnosis has been proven to be successful in helping some break habits and make new ones. A friend of mine used hypnosis years ago to break the smoking habit. She was successful and has not picked up or craved a cigarette since she walked out of the office. Research suggests that hypnosis can be a powerful tool which should only be used by certified professionals. It may be worth a try to help you kick the addiction.
Try the Helpful Patch or Gum
There are several over-the-counter helpful products to help quit smoking, including a patch and a variety of nicotine-based gum. Research suggests that thousands have been successful using the over-the-counter products. This may be worth considering before trying something more expensive.
Try Starting a Healthy Habit
While it can prove difficult, there is merit behind the idea of starting a healthy habit in lieu of smoking. Some research suggests that when the craving of a cigarette attacks, rather than reaching for it, reach for a glass of water, a piece of fruit, or take a walk. This method can require you to be more conscious of the decision you are making. However, the benefits of kicking the smoking habit far outweigh the battle to stop.
Now you're armed with the information you need to make the choice that is right for you to help you stop smoking and start getting healthier today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in St. Charles, Mo.