The ability to control your cravings for nicotine is critical to successfully stopping smoking. Being educated and deciding to reduce your nicotine consumption gradually is undoubtedly a positive step. However, understanding fully what the product is doing to your body provides a greater incentive to take action. Everyone appears to be aware that smoking is detrimental to one’s health. While reducing your nicotine consumption has long-term benefits, quitting smoking tobacco regularly can be difficult if you are a chain smoker. Have a plan in place and a date for when you intend to stop smoking. It can help you stay on track and help you achieve your goal. Numerous products and tips are available, both over-the-counter and via prescription, that can be beneficial.
8 strategies to help you reduce your nicotine cravings
Reduce your alcohol intake
It has been shown that consuming alcohol can increase cravings for nicotine. As a result, cutting back on your alcohol intake is an excellent method to keep yourself from straying from your goal of quitting. It would be wonderful to abstain from hard liquor in an idealistic situation. However, this might often be an unbearable aim, as giving up two addictions simultaneously can be rather tricky for some people!
Make CBD a regular part of your lifestyle.
CBD has gained much attention because of the possible benefits people keep talking about. CBD is widely used to alleviate anxiety symptoms, inflammation, and certain forms of discomfort and aid in a better night’s sleep. Additionally, the chemical has been claimed to be used in various additional ways. One of the most often used benefits of Full spectrum CBD is as an alternative or complement to addiction treatment. Nicotine addiction is the main reason people who smoke cigarettes have difficulty giving up. On the other hand, those who consumed CBD reported decreased desire for nicotine craving.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for the sensations of well-being and happiness experienced by the body. Serotonin is released when you smoke a cigarette because of its nicotine. This causes you to feel calm and happy. However, nicotine depletion and lower serotonin levels in the brain begin to set in between and during the period of cutting nicotine. Low energy, irritability, worry, and depression are possible side effects. This is the point at which you start to crave your next smoke.
CBD can make the brain’s 5-HT1A receptor work, making more serotonin available in the same way that antidepressants can. As a result, CBD may help alleviate the tension, anxiety, and irritation associated with quitting smoking. When it comes to improving one’s mood, CBD may be beneficial in relieving some of the physical side effects of cutting nicotine. With CBD’s anti-inflammatory characteristics, quitting smoking may be less painful, especially for those who suffer from headaches and other symptoms.
Stay away from potential triggers.
Don’t put yourself in place to relapse into smoking. For example, if you usually smoke while talking on the phone. Instead of smoking, keep a pen and paper close by so you may amuse yourself with sketching. If you notice that someone is smoking a cigarette in your vicinity, move to a different spot.
Commit to being active.
It’s not like you must participate in a marathon! Instead, incorporate short bursts of exercise into your weekly schedule at regular intervals. It diverts your attention away from your cravings, making you feel fantastic after a bit of workout. Firstly, start with a 7-minute exercise that you can find online. After getting used to it, switch it out for a 15-20-minute fitness regimen that fits into your weekly schedule.
Relaxation exercises should be performed.
It’s possible that smoking served as a coping mechanism for you when you were stressed. Resisting a cigarette addiction can be a stressful experience in and of itself. Relaxation practices, such as deep breathing, muscular relaxation, yoga, visualization, massage, or listening to relaxing music, can help alleviate the symptoms of stress.
Stay positive
It’s pretty improbable that you’ll be able to quit smoking without experiencing some difficulties. Addiction recovery needs time and patience, but punishing yourself for making errors will make quitting more challenging. Many people feel so depressed whenever they encounter problems that they give up ultimately. Maintaining a positive attitude when quitting smoking can be challenging, but doing so will put you in a better position to succeed. Take into consideration the fact that quitting takes time and effort. Think about where you’ve come from and where you want to go if you maintain a positive frame of mind.
Delay or chew anything if possible.
If you’re about to succumb to a nicotine urge, persuade yourself that you have to wait another 10 minutes. Rather than do anything to divert your attention for the remainder of the time. Consider going to a smoke-free area in public. These basic techniques may be sufficient to squelch your tobacco cravings. Provide your mouth with something to do to combat a nicotine craving. Chew sugar-free gum or hard candies, or nibble on raw carrots, celery, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy and tasty snack.
Consume a Nutritious Meal
Nutrition plays an essential part in your physical and emotional health, and following a balanced diet will make quitting nicotine much simpler. Even distinguishing between a sugar appetite and a craving for nicotine can be difficult in some circumstances. Avoid baked products, chips, and snack foods heavy in saturated fats, high fructose corn syrup, or processed carbohydrates. If you eat these snacks, your blood sugar could increase your nicotine craving through the roof.
Conclusion
Cutting nicotine requires dedication and self-discipline. The most crucial thing to remember about cravings is that they are more like calls than commands. But with the right plan, support, and nicotine alternatives, you can achieve your goal. The strategies outlined above will assist you in reducing your nicotine cravings. It will become easier with time! If your first few measures fail, don’t give up hope. Just keep going forward, and you’ll eventually develop a strategy that works for your situation.