Monday, February 5, 2007

INFO I FOUND ABOUT QUITTING SMOKING

I have been reading online about quitting smoking and I thought this info was interesting........This will give you an idea of what it's like.

Coping with Nicotine Withdrawal
Physical withdrawal from nicotine is a temporary condition, but it can cause a fair amount of discomfort while it lasts. The nickname of having "quitter's flu" has been given to this phase of smoking cessation because nicotine withdrawal symptoms often mimic a cold or a mild case of the flu. Understanding what to expect and following the pointers for coping will help you move through this stage more easily.The following list contains commonly reported symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Most people have some of these, but rarely all of them. While each person will go through this process a little differently, for most people, these discomforts are short-lived. It's always a good idea to check in with your doctor if you're concerned about a physical reaction you're having to smoking cessation, or if nicotine withdrawal symptoms persist.

Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms
Cravings to smoke
Irritable, cranky
Insomnia
Fatigue
Inability to Concentrate
Headache
Cough
Sore throat
Constipation, gas, stomach pain
Dry mouth
Sore tongue and/or gums
postnasal drip



Tips for the First Week
Nicotine is a powerful addiction. If you have tried to quit, you know how hard it can be. People who are trying to quit smoking go through both physical and psychological withdrawal. Here are some tips for quitting.CravingsDrink a lot of liquids, especially water. Try herbal teas or fruit juices. Limit coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol - they can increase your urge to smoke.Avoid sugar and fatty food. Try low-calorie foods for snacking - carrots and other vegetables, sugarless gum, air-popped popcorn, or low-fat cottage cheese. Don't skip meals.Exercise regularly and moderately. Regular exercise helps. Joining an exercise group provides a healthy activity and a new routine.Get more sleep. Try to go to sleep earlier and get more rest.Take deep breaths. Distract yourself.


When cravings hit, do something else immediately, such as talking to someone, getting busy with a task, or taking deep breaths.Change your habits. Use a different route to work, eat breakfast in a different place, or get up from the table right away after eating.Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot shower, read a book, or exercise.Psychological Needs
Remind yourself every day why you are quitting.
Avoid places you connect with smoking.
Develop a plan for relieving stress.
Listen to relaxing music.
Watch a funny movie.
Take your mind off a problem and come back to it later.
Rely on your friends, family, and support group for help.
Avoid alcohol. It lowers your chances for success.

4 comments:

SamandSawyersMom said...

Okay, I have to say that the tips are a pile of crap. Hello? You just quit smoking and on top of that they want you to avoid high fat foods, sugars, execerise often and drink plenty of water....yeah right. Let me finsih one vice before getting rid of another. A non-smoker wrote those tips girlfriend. Eat all the garbage you want and then worry about your diet when the smoking thing is no longer hard.

Crystal said...

I agree!! I eat whatever I want! I deserve it. I have been eating lots and lots of junk.......hopefully I will gain a few pounds and be a normal weight! I haven't been drinking water but I am absolutely addicted to Lipton's Green Tea with Citrus! I love that stuff and I drink tons of it everyday!

SamandSawyersMom said...

I just bought some of that. i love it too. Does it have caffeine or not? I couldn't tell??

Crystal said...

No it doesn't have caffeine.........I got hooked on it last summer, that's pretty much all I drink. I drink the regular cause I hate diet.