Become a Proud Non-smoker on this National No Smoking Day

Earlier, smoking was marketed as an object beneficial for your health. Tobacco companies even cast Doctors in their commercials to promote smoking. But in 1920, the first medical report was published that linked smoking to cancer. Ever since a lot of research was conducted and by 1960, it was confirmed that "Smoking causes cancer," but the tobacco companies started linking smoking to lifestyle, and instead of downfall, the tobacco companies saw an upliftment in their sales. Hence, a lot of efforts were made by the government to make people aware of the ill effects of smoking, and one of those efforts is “National No Smoking Day.” Today on the occasion of National No-Smoking Day, let’s take a pledge to quit smoking and take our first steps towards a Healthy Lifestyle. 

Why do we crave smoking?

Before discussing how to quit smoking, let us understand why do we even smoke in the first place? We are discussed by the smoke from the vehicles and burning objects etc. But why does the smoke from cigarettes give us relaxation and pleasure instead of irritation? As a child, when I saw people smoke, I became furious and looked at them in disgust and even wished that I never picked up this filthy habit. Well, I failed, and eventually, in college, I had my first puff, and there was no going back before I realized, those few puffs a day became a few cigarettes a day. Most of us share the same story. Some start in peer pressure. Some start to experiment but end up being an addict. The reason why lit a cigarette is Nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive, and research has shown it to be more addictive than cocaine. Nicotine is also directly linked to dopamine release, which is another addiction. Hence we keep on lighting a new one every time we are tired, tensed, or even when there is no reason at all.

How to Quit Smoking

We all smokers have the same love and hate relationship with our cancer sticks. We want to leave them, but we also can’t live without them what a toxic relationship it is. We are aware that they are severely damaging our bodies, but we still want them pressed against our lips. Ok, now it’s time for us to decide whether we want that 5-minute relaxation or, do we want a healthier life? If you are with me who wants to throw these cigarettes out of our pockets, let’s discuss the ways that will make it possible.

There are many ways to quit smoking, but what works for Tom won’t necessarily work for Harry. Hence you have to experiment a bit with all the tips given below and decide what works best for you.

• Therapy- Working together with a therapist to find the emotional situation that triggers your urge to smoke and come up with other activities that can counter this habit.
• Other Nicotine Sources- Well, these may work for quitting smoking but should not be overused, as they contain that addictive substance, hence should be used in limitations and with your doctor's advice.
• Medications- Medical science has come a long way, and now medicines are available for every disease and addiction. You may consult your physician to help you with this addiction. But remember, these are not some magic pills. You have to work along with them to help get out of this pit.
• E-Cigarettes- Vapes can also be a replacement for your burning stick, as they trick your mind into releasing dopamine. Again, they are also not completely harmless and have their effects on your health.
• Self-Control- The best solution for your problem. Remember, no one but you is stopping yourself from quitting that filthy habit, and hence if you master the art of self-control, no one will be able to stop you from achieving your target and living a healthier life.

What happens when we quit smoking?

Quitting smoking will immediately start affecting your body within 20 minutes of quitting. Your blood pressure and heart rate will return to normal, and in 8 hours, the carbon monoxide in your bloodstream will clear out, and the O2 level in your blood will return to normal. The next 24 hours are going to be a bit tougher as coughing will increase. It is your body's way to clear out all the toxins and harmful substances from the system. Within 48 hours, your food will start to taste better as the Tar in the cigarettes decreases the number of taste buds on your tongue. In the next 1 month risk of developing heart diseases and type two diabetes will dramatically decrease. Within a year, your lungs will also fully repair themselves, and within ten years, your body will become healthy and stable like it was when you didn’t start smoking.

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