Steps to Quit Smoking / Quit Drinking Habits

Dear Readers, Welcome to Gymbag4u.com, Hope you are taking good care of yourself and your loved ones & doing great things in life. Today we have brought a very crucial topic, which is How to Quit Habits like Smoking and Drinking.

Yes, few people might thing, it’s impossible, but few knows we are correct because they also done the same thing in their life and today, they are free from those deadly bad habits of Smoking and Drinking.

Friends, this is true that our Human Mind is made of such a way that it always searching for comforts, and if it finds comfort in Bad and most unhealthy habits like Smoking and Excessive Drinking then it may feel difficult after some time to quit those habits.

And, if you are a Chain Smoker or a Hardcore Drinker, and if you want to quit your unhealthy habits than the following is very much important for you.

Friends there are two things to control Human mind either you have to engage it in some another thing which also called Mind Diverting and another is Fear, if you succeed in making your mind such fearful that it will automatically help you to change your habits with the Fear.

Quitting smoking or drinking can be incredibly challenging, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re quitting smoking or cutting back on alcohol, there are several key principles and strategies that can help you succeed and make the process smoother.

and the Same Applies in Quitting Bad Habits such as Chain Smoking and Extensive Drinking

Which are the Best Proven Methods of Controlling Smoking & Drinking Habits?

1] Mind Diverting

Yes, friends, Mind diverting can be a solution which helps you to get rid of from Bad Habits, it can be any habit like Smoking or Drinking.

As per Science Law for Every Action have equal and opposite reaction.

Our mind is expert in releasing feel good chemicals in our body which takes us in comfort and joy feeling zone, and that is the week point where you have to work on yourself towards sudden habit change for diverting your mind.

You start engaging yourself extensively in other activities that you will start forgetting habits of Smoking or Drinking.

You can start yourself engaging in your daily routine without giving a minute to your mind thing about those habits, you can find and deeply engage yourself in another good habit of your choice, it may be Meditation and Exercise, Singing, Dancing, Learning, Social Work, etc. one or more such habits together will definitely make you Leave those habit.

And once you start forgetting you those habits you can easily fool your mind which resulting you to be free from them.

2] FEAR FACTOR

Yes, friends, fear is such a powerful thing that helps to push your mind towards permanent changing habits.

Smoking and Drinking have very bad effects on health, and there are many people in our society who are suffering from them.

If you are Chain Smoker and Drinker and willing to quit those habits, then you should start visiting Hospitals.

Yes, when you will see and talk with the people who suffered from Disease like Cancer & Liver failure due to such Bad Habits then, your mind will automatically start accepting the fear signals receiving from your visuals & thinking.

and that is the week point, where, with the help of Fear your mind start releasing fear chemicals which will create disinterest in yourself to go away from your bad habits.

Biggest Threat of Cancer / Cardiac Arrest:

Smoking can create a biggest threat of throat / Mouth / lungs cancer, Asthma & Heart Attack diseases. Cancer on Sevier stage is not at all curable, hence smoking must be prohibited and limited.

So, friends above both are the proven ways to keep you away from the bad habits which will anyway take your health & lowering your lifespan.

Here’s what’s important to follow when trying to quit smoking or drinking:

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

• Identify Your Why: Understand the reasons why you want to quit. Whether it’s for better health, improved relationships, financial reasons, or to be a better role model, having a clear motivation will keep you focused.
• Set a Quit Date: Pick a date to stop smoking or drinking. This gives you time to mentally prepare and plan your strategy.
• Break Down Your Goal: If quitting cold turkey feels too daunting, break the goal into smaller, achievable milestones. For example, reduce smoking from a pack a day to 10 cigarettes a day, or decrease alcohol consumption gradually before quitting entirely.

2. Understand Triggers and Plan for Them

• Recognize Your Triggers: Certain situations, emotions, or even people may trigger cravings for smoking or drinking. Common triggers include stress, social gatherings, certain times of day, or drinking alcohol itself for smokers.
• Create a Plan for Dealing with Triggers: Have strategies in place for dealing with these triggers. For instance:
  • For stress: Try mindfulness, deep breathing, exercise, or talking to a friend.
  • For social situations: Have an alternative beverage in hand, avoid high risk situations, or bring a supportive friend.
  • Replace your smoking or drinking routine with healthier habits like going for a walk, drinking herbal tea, or chewing gum.

3. Seek Professional Support

• Consult a Doctor or Therapist: Healthcare professionals can offer advice, medications, or counseling. For smoking, nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches, gum, or lozenges can ease withdrawal symptoms. For alcohol, medications like disulfiram (Antabuse) or naltrexone can help reduce cravings.
• Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven effective in helping people quit both smoking and drinking. It helps you identify and change the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
• Support Groups: Groups like Nicotine Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can offer peer support. Being in a group with others who are going through the same experience can provide encouragement and understanding.

4. Create a Strong Support System

• Tell Friends and Family: Let the people close to you know that you’re quitting. Their support will be crucial, and they can help hold you accountable or simply offer encouragement during tough moments.
• Find a Quit Buddy: If possible, find a friend or loved one who’s also quitting or who can support you throughout the process. Having someone to check in with can keep you motivated.
• Limit Temptation: If you’re quitting drinking, try to stay away from environments that encourage drinking, like bars or parties. If you’re quitting smoking, avoid places where you typically smoke.

5. Stay Active and Healthy

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is not only a great way to manage stress but also helps reduce cravings. Exercise boosts endorphins, which can help improve your mood and combat anxiety and depression that may arise when quitting.
• Eat Well: Focus on a healthy, balanced diet to help replenish your body and stay energized. You may crave unhealthy snacks when quitting, so make sure to keep nutritious options, like fruits, nuts, or seeds, readily available.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water, herbal teas, or other low-calorie beverages help keep your body hydrated and may distract you from cravings.

6. Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

• Nicotine Withdrawal: For smokers, withdrawal symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, trouble concentrating, and cravings. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), such as gum or patches, can help reduce the severity of these symptoms.
• Alcohol Withdrawal: For heavy drinkers, alcohol withdrawal can be more serious, with symptoms ranging from headaches and sweating to more severe effects like tremors, nausea, and even seizures. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Stay Positive: Withdrawal can be tough, but it’s temporary. Keep reminding yourself of the benefits you’re gaining and how much better you’ll feel in the long run.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

• Track Your Progress: Celebrate every small victory, whether it’s making it through a week without smoking or going a month without drinking. Tracking your progress can help you stay motivated.
• Reward Yourself: Use the money you’re saving from not buying cigarettes or alcohol to treat yourself to something special, like a massage, a fun outing, or a new hobby.

8. Be Prepared for Setbacks

• Relapse is Common: Many people experience setbacks during their journey to quit smoking or drinking. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up, just get back on track. A single relapse doesn’t mean failure.
• Learn from Setbacks: Understand what led to the relapse and use that information to strengthen your strategy going forward. Did you face a trigger that you hadn’t anticipated? Did stress or social pressure play a role? Adjust your plan to avoid these situations in the future.

9. Stay Committed Long-Term

• Develop New Habits: Once you’ve quit, it’s important to replace old habits with healthier ones. For example, if you used to smoke after meals or drink to unwind, find alternative ways to relax or engage in a post meal ritual (like going for a walk).
• Stay Mindful: Even after quitting, it’s important to remain aware of triggers or situations that might tempt you. Continue to practice mindfulness and keep up with strategies that support your new habits.
• Stay Motivated: Remind yourself regularly why you decided to quit. Keep a journal, write down your reasons for quitting, or post inspiring quotes around your house to reinforce your commitment.

10. Focus on the Benefits

• Health Improvements: Both smoking and drinking can significantly harm your health. When you quit, you will experience improvements in lung function, heart health, liver function, mental clarity, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
• Mental Clarity: Quitting both smoking and drinking can lead to better focus, improved mood, and greater emotional stability.
• Financial Savings: Both habits are costly. By quitting smoking or drinking, you’ll save significant amounts of money, which can be put toward healthier pursuits or rewarding yourself for your progress.
• Better Relationships: Quitting smoking or drinking can improve your relationships, as you’ll have more energy, be more present, and avoid behaviors that may negatively impact those around you.

Quitting smoking or drinking is a personal journey that requires persistence, support, and a clear strategy. While the road may have its challenges, the rewards improved health, better mental clarity, financial savings, and an overall higher quality of life are well worth it. The most important thing is to stay committed, seek help when needed, and never give up on yourself, even if you experience setbacks. With the right mindset, resources, and support, you can successfully overcome these habits and build a healthier, happier life.

Hope you like this article and you will get benefited with this.

Thanks for visiting Gymbag4u.com

You may also love reading our few other articles. https://gymbag4u.com/10-daily-habits-to-reduce-belly-fat/ and https://gymbag4u.com/breaking-bad-habits-strategies-for-a-healthier-happier-you/ and https://gymbag4u.com/habits-to-foster-mental-strength-in-children/

Prashant V @Gymbag4you@gmail.com