Smoking can be one of the most powerful addictions for some people to kick.
Every time I see *or smell* a smoker, I want to sit them down and have a chat together.
Since I can't, I'm writing this post.
Nicotine is kind of a weird substance in that it both relaxes and stimulates the user at once.
Anxiety, stress, and tension trigger the need to smoke because nicotine works as a relaxant.
It helps you kick back after a rough day, a fight with your significant other, or an annoying experience.
Conversely, nicotine is also a stimulant.
Smoking increases dopamine and sharpens cognitive focus.
This is the reason that smokers in the process of quitting feel mentally dull and unmotivated.
In fact, research has shown that the greatest number of accidents in the work place occur on the day of the Great American Smoke Out! Those who have symptoms or full blown ADHD are especially prone to nicotine use for these two reasons.
What helps? First and foremost, motivation to quit.
Quit until you finally quit forever.
There are more people in the US who have quit smoking than there are smokers, and that is a sign that it's possible for anyone to quit.
It takes a smoker an average of 20 times to finally quit smoking.
The 2nd most important tool for smoking cessation is exercise.
Why? 1.
Exercise increases dopamine to offer stimulation and sharpened cognition.
This helps replace the stimulant effect, especially for those who need help with sharpened focus and motivation.
2.
Exercise decreases tension and anxiety, both of which can trigger cravings.
This effect can also help smokers feel less homicidal while quitting.
3.
Exercise can fend off cigarette cravings for approximately 50 minutes, which doubles or triples the intervals between cigarettes.
In other words, this is an excellent way to begin quitting and continue to decrease your number of daily cigarettes.
5.
Exercise counteracts the stress response associated with withdrawals.
This is a pretty powerful side effect.
4.
Exercise will help prevent any weight gain associated with smoking cessation, which is one of the primary reasons that women fail to quit smoking.
5.
Exercise rebalances mood related neurotransmitters, which can help buffer the mood related triggers to smoke.
6.
Exercise gives you a measure of perceived control.
You can DO something instead of trying to regain will power to overcome smoking triggers.
Increased perception of personal control is the one factor that helps all of us feel better-fast.
The trick to using exercise to help you quit smoking is finding some form of exercise that's fast, easy, and accessible when needed.
The perfect option for many people would be the jump rope.
Keep one at home, in your office, and in the car and jump rope for 5-10 minutes when needed.
Yes, you may work up a sweat and yes, you may need to take a shower.
But hey, shower or chemo? Shower, not so bad.
Chemo sucks a fat one.
If you happen to be a heavy smoker, you may need nicotine replacement to help decrease physical withdrawal effects and urges to smoke.
Chew the gum, use the patch, or use it all at once.
Lastly, medications like Wellbutrin can help alleviate some cravings and give you a little energy kick to boot.
I would reserve this option for those of you who have been heavy smokers for a long period of time with many failed attempts.
Again, keep trying.
Use intense exercise as many times a day as needed.
Each day will bring fewer triggers until one day, you won't have them.
Good luck from the Maverick.