Indeed, a good majority of smokers have tried to quit smoking of their own volition. Typically, individuals have quit smoking by gradually decreasing their cigarette intake. Often, smokers will also try to go cold turkey by quitting smoking outright. However, the effectiveness of these methods will depend on the steps that they will take.

But other than quitting smoking by yourself, there are several support groups and organizations that offer help and services in training individuals in smoke cessation. Having a systematic approach to quitting smoking will expedite the process and give you a support network that you can rely on.

There is a multitude of different advantages when you stop smoking. Not only will this be beneficial to your health, but this can also help save up finances.

Why Should You Quit Smoking?

On average, a person who smokes a pack of cigarettes every day will usually have to spend around $188 (this will vary depending on the prices in your area). If that’s the case, then you are paying $2,290 every year. That’s already a reasonable amount of money that can be used for condominium insurance-having a secure means of being able to spend wisely on the right aspects of your life.

But other than ensuring financial stability, what are some good reasons to quit smoking? First and foremost, smoking is a catalyst for numerous types of diseases. That includes:

Lung Cancer –

Smoking cigarettes can lead to lung cancer. In countries such as the United States, cigarette smoking is known to have caused 80 to 90% of lung cancer cases and deaths. The primary catalyst in tobacco products is the wide variety of chemicals being used to manufacture them. Lung cancer can be also be caused by factors other than smoking, such as pollution.

Hypertension–

Long-term exposure to smoke and secondhand smoke can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause high blood pressure to rise gradually.

Emphysema–

Long-term smoking can cause emphysema, which can cause difficulty breathing and carbon deposits with the lung’s structure.

Cardiovascular Disease –

CV diseases can take the form of a variety of different conditions, mainly with a

Erectile Disfunction–

Erections are usually caused when blood vessels of the male reproductive organ are filled with blood. However, smoking will disrupt the flow of blood in the body, often resulting in blood vessels, become constricted. Smoking can cause erectile dysfunction in men as early as 20 years of age.

Throat Cancer–

Just like lung cancer, long-term smoking and drinking will result in throat cancer. Again, this could be caused by a variety of other factors other than smoking.

It’s also worth noting that when you stop smoking, you are also extending your lifespan. Studies have shown that smoking cigarettes can cut your life expectancy by ten years. But if you do stop smoking before the age of 40, it’s easier to reduce the risk of smoking by 90% than usual.

Pointers for Smoke Cessation

Avoid Triggers

Since smoking is more of a habit, the best way to stop it is by avoiding triggers. Triggers could be going to activities and meeting with people who do smoke.

If you are stressed, you can try exercising or doing another activity that can relieve your stress. Some people will opt to drink coffee or tea instead of smoking.

Distract Yourself

It is hard to think about smoking if you are entertaining yourself and distracting yourself throughout most of the day. Some activities that you can do other than smoking include:

  • Taking your dog out for a walk
  • Eating out with friends
  • Playing video games
  • Doing some sports
  • Baking
  • Cooking
  • Writing articles

Find a Support Group

Lastly, having a support group can help remind you that you shouldn’t be smoking. A support network could consist of close friends, loved ones, and family members. If you ever feel like you want to smoke, you can contact your friends to ask for advice.

Withdrawal Symptoms

We want to set your expectations that when you stop smoking, you will experience different withdrawal symptoms. Typically, this will take hold a few days after you quit cold turkey.

Some withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Irritation from stimuli
  • Restlessness
  • Inability to sleep
  • Sweating
  • Lowered attention span
  • Depression
  • Sore throat
  • More drive to eat

No worries, the effects of nicotine withdrawal will subside after a reasonable amount of time has passed. The first few weeks of quitting smoking will be the most challenging part, but after one to three months, most of the withdrawal symptoms will eventually disappear.

Smoking does not just affect your health, but will also affect the health of others around you. Every year, around 8 million people die from tobacco after contracting severe diseases. But not all hope is lost; the dangers of smoking cigarettes are preventable.

It might seem like most people will have a hard time quitting smoking, but it is still possible, especially with the right mindset, self-control, and discipline.