The Butt Stops Here: 3 Out Of The Pack Ways To Quit Smoking

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From stress relief to a habitual act after dinner each night, smoking cigarettes is a popular task that most people struggle to quit. From possible cancer to severe tooth discoloration and bad breath, the reasons to quit smoking are easy to see. If you are one of the 42.1 million adults who smoke cigarettes, finding the best technique to quit is smart. Unfortunately, quitting "cold turkey" is not an option for everyone due to the uncomfortable side effects. Thankfully, using these out-of-the-pack solutions, you can permanently quit the habit.

Treat your Addiction with Drugs

While surprising to hear, smoking and chewing tobacco is considered a type of addiction. In many cases, you will try to replace this addiction with a new one to cope. However, certain coping mechanisms are even more problematic than smoking cigarettes, so discussing your options with your doctor is smart.

Many physicians are now prescribing medications that help smokers succeed in their attempt to quit. Certain antidepressants will lessen the cravings and withdrawal symptoms while attempting to quit. In addition, medications are now available that make the taste, smell, and feel of tobacco less appealing.

 It is important to note that these medications are available by prescription only because they can cause other side effects.

Holistic Help

Although medications are effective for many patients, holistic treatments are also available. Non-invasive and natural, these treatments offer physical and emotional help for your smoking addiction.

Here are a few holistic options to consider:

  • Hypnosis – Also known as hypnotherapy, hypnosis helps patients gain control over an unhealthy habit or undesired behavior. To quit smoking, your hypnotherapist will help you enter a trance-like state using verbal repetition and mental imagery. During this trance, your mind will move your body away from the smoking cravings to conquer the habit. Although successful for many patients, hypnotherapy may not be the right option for your needs.
  • Acupuncture – Inserted into various points of the body, the thin acupuncture needles stimulate your body's energy. Through the stimulation of energy, your body's natural systems will become regulated, decreasing stress to treat many addictions. Since you may smoke to relieve tension and anxiety, acupuncture can release this energy and help ease the triggers causing you to smoke.
  • Exercise – Proven to lessen bouts of depression and stress disorders, exercise can also help ease the withdrawal symptoms while quitting smoking. Once you decide to quit, add 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise to your day.
  • Supplements – Following a well-balanced diet is key to a healthy lifestyle, but adding a few supplements can help ease the pain of quitting the habit. To reduce nicotine cravings, consider taking an omega-3 supplement each day. This fatty acid is not only good for breaking the habit, but it also improves your cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels.

If All Else Fails, Smoke!

If prescription medications and holistic help is not working for you, it may be time to smoke. However, do not reach for your traditional pack of cigarettes.

While millions of people try and fail to stop smoking each day, 60 percent more people are successful in their attempt to permanently quit when using electronic cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes look similar to a traditional cigarette, but they contain a battery, heating element, and flavor cartridge inside. The electronic system eases cravings due to the various flavor cartridges and allows users to complete their habitual tasks. However, after inhaling, you exhale a non-toxic vapor.

The e-cig system offers a method to smoke without actual smoke or nicotine. You can complete the act of smoking and receive the pleasant feeling from the flavorful vapor, but you will not be inhaling toxic chemicals into your lungs.

Quitting smoking is obviously a great way to live a healthier life, but it can be challenging for many people. These out-of-the-pack ways to break the habit can help.

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8 April 2015

The Power of Your Sense of Smell

Even as a child, I recognized that scent has the power to influence mood. The aroma of warm bread fresh from the oven still makes me feel safe and nurtured, even if I am the one who did the baking. The smell of sawdust reminds me of my grandfather who owned a lumber mill, and, strangely enough, the scent of paint thinner triggers memories of visiting my father at his machine shop on hot, summer days. Now that I have my own home, I use scent to help build my family's excitement for the holidays. Certain aromas reassure me that my house is clean or help me relax after a long day. The right smell can alleviate anxiety, promote a sense of calm, and signal that I am truly home.