We all know how smoking cigarettes is injurious to health. It not only ruins your body, but is also unhealthy for people around you. When you smoke, it passively affects people near you and not just yourself. Apart from smelly hair and bad skin, there are so many other adverse effects it has on your body. Cigarettes contain over 600 harmful ingredients and smoking could cause high blood pressure, bronchitis and of course, cancer. No one will ever tell you that smoking is anywhere close to healthy and this is why you should quit as soon as possible. Here are ways to start the process.

1. Decide A Quitting Date

Date (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Date (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Fix a date. And make sure that on this day you quit smoking no matter what.

2. Throw Out All Your Stash

Throwing Away Cigarettes (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Throwing Away Cigarettes (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Once that day arrives, make sure to throw out all the cigarettes you currently possess. Having them around might tempt you to smoke again.

3. Create A Distraction

Running On A Treadmill (Image courtesy: Shutterstock)
Running On A Treadmill (Image courtesy: Shutterstock)

You may feel the urge to smoke during the initial phase of quitting. Distract yourself with different activities when this happens. You could play a game on your phone, go for a walk, or get busy at work to help you not think about smoking.

4. Remind Yourself Why You’re Quitting

Research (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Research (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Everytime you’re tempted, read up about the harm it does to your body. Reminding yourself of its adverse effects will encourage you to stay away from that cigarette.

5. Replace Smoking With Green Tea Or A Healthy Snack

Green Tea (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Green Tea (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Your body is habituated to smoke at particular hours of the day. The time you used to smoke could be replaced by drinking tea, or even munching on a snack. Soon your body will be tricked to forget smoking and signal you to snack on something healthy instead.

6. Tell Everyone You Know That You’re Quitting

Friends Talking (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Friends Talking (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Telling everyone will ensure you actually go ahead and quit. No one likes to be that person who ‘couldn’t quit’. Also, once your friends know, they will help keep you away from smoking.

7. Exercise

Yoga (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Yoga (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Exercising will not only distract you from smoking but will increase your stamina and that will encourage you to avoid smoking. Try yoga, running, swimming, or hitting the gym.

8. Think Of All The Money You’ll Save

Cigarettes And Money (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Cigarettes And Money (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Cigarettes are not a cheap habit to have. Start collecting the money you use to buy cigarettes and at the end of the month you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve actually saved as opposed to spending it on this horrible habit.

9. Give Yourself A Reward For Every Milestone

Candy (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Candy (Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)

Rewarding yourself might help you move forward. Every month, treat yourself with something you’ve wanted. You could even use the many thousands of rupees you save by not smoking to buy something you couldn’t afford. Or even go on a holiday. Imagine that!

It’s time to breathe clean air and be able to taste again! Make your body happy by quitting this summer. Make sure to drink a lot of water and eat clean to see a big change in your body. And of course, say no to smoking!

Don’t forget to follow us at @missmalinilifestyle to never miss a beat!