6 Challenges Of Quitting

You’ve been smoking for years but now you decide it’s time to turn over a new leaf and start living a healthier lifestyle. You are done with coughing and hacking. It’s also time to stop smelling like a dirty ashtray. But you’ve probably heard how some smokers have taken years to quit the addiction. Yes, it’s no secret that it is downright tough to quit smoking. You’ll probably fail a few times before finding success. However, to raise your chances of success, it’s good to be aware of the challenges ahead of you. Like if you went to battle, wouldn’t it help to learn more about your enemy first?

1.Withdrawals and Cravings
The biggest challenge would be getting through the withdrawal symptoms and craving for nicotine. The feelings of discomfort is extremely strong especially the first few days of quitting. The addiction to nicotine is as bad as the addiction to cocaine and heroine. So, be ready and have a plan on how you are going to combat the dizziness, depression, frustration, irritability, sleep problems, emotional outbursts, headache and restlessness. Most of the time, the unhappiness people feel due to the bodily changes they are experiencing is what tempts them to light up a cigarette one more time. It will be difficult to stay positive during this time. Just know that if you stick it out, things will get better.

2. Psychological Effects of Smoking
There are two battles to fight when trying to quit smoking. One is a physical battle, the other a psychological battle. More often than not, smoking cigarettes is a way to deal with stress, pressure, boredom, life problems and anger. If this is the case with you, then you need to find a better and healthier way to handle your problems. You have to break out of the habit of reaching for a cigarette when the going gets tough.

3. Breaking The Routine
After years of smoking, when and where you smoke has very much become a routine in your life. For example, you take smoke breaks with your colleagues or light up after meals. Identifying your smoking routine and changing it is necessary for your success. It will be doubly difficult if your smoking is linked to socializing. Nobody likes to be “left out” of the circle of friends they are used to. You have to realize that quitting smoking entails more than just refusing to smoke. It involves a change of lifestyle. Be ready to give up certain routines and be willing to pick up better ones like exercising.

4. Feeling Tired
When attempting to quit, you will find yourself having a lack of energy. Your body is so used to being stimulated by nicotine, without it you feel tired. Also, in the beginning you may have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. That too will contribute to your tiredness during the day. Remember, not only do you have to overcome smoking physically but mentally too. Give your body time to adjust. Allow yourself to rest and to re-energize.

5. Feeling Hungry and Gaining Weight
You may find yourself feeling hungry all the time when you quit smoking. This is because smoking no longer suppresses your appetite. This increase in appetite may last several weeks. So, do you need to worry about gaining weight? Not if you stay away from high-fat and high-sugar foods. The average weight gain is between 6-8 pounds. Many people will substitute a cigarette for a snack. So, watch what you are snacking on. Stay away from junk food. You are safe with fresh fruits, fat-free yogurt, vegetables, air-popped popcorn and full wheat crackers. Also, choose to drink water instead of alcoholic beverages.

6. Encountering Failures
You may succumb to the temptation of lighting up and encounter several failures. Do not be disheartened. Just accept that as humans we have our moments of weaknesses. There is no limit on the number of times you can try. Obviously you will feel bad about it for a while. Don’t dwell on it too much. Pick yourself up and go at it again with renewed vigor.

Quitting smoking is a difficult task indeed but not an impossible one. With strong determination, a personal reason to quit, supportive friends and family, and a plan to conquer the challenges ahead, you can do it.