Nicotine withdrawal is one of the most difficult challenges for anyone who has made a choice to quit smoking. When someone has been smoking long enough, their body develops a dependency to the chemical, compelling them to maintain a certain level of nicotine at all times. Withdrawal is what happens when this level is not maintained.
Some of the most common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include anger, restlessness, and irritability. Someone may also experience intense cravings for a smoke that may override their better judgment. Other, more severe symptoms include headaches, coughing, and feeling tired, but unable to sleep.
If you’re committed to quitting, though, don’t give up! These symptoms are temporary and will eventually subside. There are also plenty of ways to manage your cravings for nicotine and ease you through the withdrawal process.
Try nicotine-free vapes
For many smokers, the act of putting a cigarette to their mouths provides oral stimulation and a sense of satisfaction. Using a vape in lieu of a cigarette can be a less harmful way to satisfy this fixation.
You can find vapes that contain nicotine, of course, but nicotine on its own is harmful, even when it isn’t burned, as is the case with cigarettes. It is a toxic substance that can cause elevated blood pressure, which can lead to a host of other damaging effects on the body. When you’re trying to rid yourself of nicotine, it’s best not to indulge in nicotine-based products, too–otherwise, you’re just putting yourself back at square one.
Instead, you can try nicotine-free vapes that can satiate the urge for a smoke without introducing more of the chemical into your system. Since the idea is to kick the urge to smoke entirely, a nicotine free disposable vape is the best solution. Cyclone Pods’ Gust, Gust Plus, and Gust Super nicotine free disposable vapes are excellent choices for this.
Gust, Gust Plus, and Gust Super are nicotine free disposable vape products that allow you to vape on the go without the guilt. They are nicotine and tobacco free, and do not contain vitamin E acetate or diacetyl, which have been associated with certain health risks associated with vaping. They’re available in a wide variety of flavors including tobacco, which should provide some comfort to those who miss that particular taste. When you’ve finished it up, simply throw away the device.
Distract yourself with healthy activities
Former smokers swear by exercise, claiming that performing even light physical activities helped take their minds off craving a smoke. There are a lot of ways to substitute smoking with being active instead, from simple calisthenics to following along with something more involved, like a short fitness video on YouTube.
Going for a walk is one of the simplest, yet most beneficial, activities you can engage in when you’re jonesing for a cigarette. Sitting still only makes you more prone to wallowing and restlessness, so get up and move. Take your dog out for a walk around the block and take in some fresh air.
Breathing exercises can help, too, and you can do them anytime. Breathing with your diaphragm gets more air into your lungs, and it can even help clear the mind. Doing so can aid in easing the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
You can also start practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques derived from yoga and other disciplines. These techniques can give you peace of mind, improve your mood, and leave you feeling calmer, especially when you can’t rid yourself of thoughts of smoking.
Eat and drink well
Dehydration isn’t good for anyone, but it’s especially detrimental to those looking to quit smoking. Not having enough water in your body can worsen the headaches and exhaustion associated with nicotine withdrawal. You’ll also feel more irritable–and start to crave cigarettes again.
The easiest way to prevent dehydration is to drink plenty of water, as much as your doctor prescribes. According to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, though, you should be drinking between 2 to 4 liters of water daily. You can keep track of your intake with a specially-marked water bottle, refilling it throughout the day as needed.
It’s also a good idea to have a balanced diet. Increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables can help replenish the vitamins and nutrients that your body is likely lacking as a result of smoking. Choose foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and dairy products, and vitamins C and D, such as citruses and fatty fish.
Curbing your cravings for nicotine is just the first step to kicking your smoking habit entirely, but it’s a significant one. After you get over them, it’s smooth sailing. Just remember the commitment you made to yourself and you’ll soon be on your way to a healthier lifestyle. For more information on products that can help you get off nicotine and tobacco products, visit Cyclone Pods today.