A smoker will read the warning “Smoking is injurious to health,” but light a cigarette anyway. After all, it is not easy to stop smoking, given the addictive properties of tobacco. Being unable to quit smoking does not mean that you can’t. It takes time to get rid of the nicotine addiction without feeling the brunt of withdrawal. Here are a few tips that may help you resist the urge to smoke gradually.

1. Find the “why”
It is probably the first and most important step if you wish to quit smoking. Simply wanting to quit smoking isn’t going to do much for you. You’ve got to find the reasons for wanting to quit. Identifying the “why” is a great way to find motivation in letting go of the habit.

2. Make the plan
Make a plan with a final cigarette date. A plan can help you stick to your routine, which is the right kind of motivation you need. You can set the quit date, even set objectives and strategies to help deal with any cravings. You can also choose what you want to do with the saved money. Calculate how much you can save by not smoking, and simply that could be a great reason to quit.

3. Eat healthy balanced meals
There are certain concerns about weight gain after quitting smoking. However, though weight gain may sometimes be unavoidable, it is possible to manage the impact. All you need to do is eat healthy balanced meals, that, in turn, will help you on your cigarette-free journey. Eating the right foods will also ensure a healthier lifestyle.

4. Keep your hands occupied
Staying away from cigarettes, especially if you smoke often, could mean you miss the entire process of lifting a cigarette to your lips. So to avoid the craving, it’s best to keep your hands occupied. You might want to chew on a licorice stick, peel an apple, or crack nuts. In an extreme case where you really can’t resist a cigarette, you might want to try out vape as a temporary alternative.

5. Try to meditate
Letting go of something you’re attached to can be stressful, and it’s the same with cigarettes. To help cope with the stress, you can try out some yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindful meditation. Such activities will surely help you relieve the stress and benefit your goal towards a cigarette-free lifestyle. You can choose to do any activity that makes you feel good, like reading, going for a walk, listening to music, etc. 

6. Positive thinking is key
There will be times when you may not be able to resist the urge to smoke and may even have a puff or two. But don’t let it stray you away from your goal. Remember, cutting ties with cigarettes isn’t a one-day job and will take time. So you must remember that even if a relapse occurs, there is always hope to get back on the road to quit smoking.