Statistics show that 14.5% of the Australian population smoke. Though it may seem like a small chunk, this translates to roughly 2.5 million people. After all, the Land Down Under serves as a home to about 26 million individuals. Moreover, with its prime location in the southern hemisphere, it gets four seasons. As such, smoking spikes up, especially during the winter months. However, according to medical journals, smoking kills around 24,000 Australians annually.
This data is very alarming and should jolt you into quitting. After all, many people know that tobacco contains addictive nicotine and other carcinogens that adversely impact health. If you find it difficult to kick the addiction, you can try nicotine prescriptions in Australia. This alternative approach is specifically designed to help you avoid harsh withdrawal symptoms. However, if you truly want to quit, try the following hacks to help you resist the temptation to light up a cigarette.
Write Down a List of Reasons to Desist
If you genuinely want to stop your tobacco habit, write down your reasons for quitting on a sheet of paper. Then make multiple copies so you can take it out when you feel the urge to smoke. It would also help to tape this in your fridge or anywhere visible for accountability. It can contain anything like:
- Prevent lung cancer
- Ensure a long life for the sake of family
- Save more money
- Keep my teeth and mouth from discolouring
- Ascertain the family avoids secondhand smoke
Make it as personal as possible to ensure that it resonates with you. Making this list will keep you motivated. And writing this down can be your contract with yourself to help you hit your goals.
Make a Concrete Plan to Quit
As the wise adage says: failing to plan is planning to fail. Kicking your smoking addiction is indeed rough. You will be faced with temptations and cravings. Thus, having a plan in place for pitfalls can help you address potential issues. Map out your plan, set a concrete date, and stick to it no matter what.
Whenever you find yourself in a bind, envision your plan to prevent you from taking a drag. It would help to have a backup plan like nicotine prescriptions in Australia. These alternative therapies offer gentler approaches that are specifically designed to help you quit successfully. As you go on with life, you will find yourself stuck in a difficult situation like a party in the club. However, with a plan of action, you can have an escape route.
Find a Support Crew
It would help to have buddies who will check up on you and your progress. Band together with non-smokers and request them to rally behind you. In the same token, if you have family or friends who also want to quit, you can do it together. After all, there’s strength in numbers, so you can motivate each other to keep pushing towards your goals.
In addition, you can also seek help from a smoke-free service facility. They have experts and professionals you can turn to for advice. When you have the right crew behind you, you are more likely to quit smoking successfully.
Stay Mindful of What Goes in the Mouth
Finally, take stock of what goes in your mouth. For example, alcohol, fizzy drinks, cheese, and meat make cigarettes taste better and more satisfying. So you may want to take stock of your diet and avoid these food items that trigger your cravings.
Alternatively, you can also change your routine. For example, if you habitually smoke after dinner, go to the kitchen and do the dishes instead. Keeping yourself busy will ensure your mind stays away from your smoking habit.