Many people find it hard to overcome their smoking addiction, especially if they have been doing it for a long time already. A lot of them also think that the human body craves for more cigarettes if they decide to quit their bad habits. What they do not know is that the more they smoke, the more they harm themselves as well as those surrounding them. At the same time, there is also a high likelihood that they would suffer from stress and anxiety. However, if you are not one of these individuals as you have finally stopped smoking, then be sure to share your story to everyone.
Quite a bit of research has already shown that when smokers are trying to quit (so we’re talking early on during abstinence), their brains react differently to stimuli in the environment depending on the relationship between those stimuli and nicotine. Stimuli that aren’t associated with smoking (or some other form of nicotine intake) get less attention and show overall less activation of important brain circuits while nicotine associated cues light up the brain just as if nicotine was on board (even though participants were drug free at the time). — Adi Jaffe Ph.D.
Before anything else, it is crucial to emphasize the fact that you have done such a wonderful step in taking good care of yourself. Take this moment to congratulate yourself for having the courage to confront your smoking addiction and deciding to live a healthier lifestyle. Remember that what you did was a challenging and bold move, but you were able to survive it all.
For sure, at this point in your life, you are already enjoying the various benefits and advantages of taking away smoking out of your life’s pictures. Do you feel happier and lighter these days? Have your sleeping patterns improved after you stopped puffing cigarettes? Did your mental health show significant positive changes because of your recent lifestyle change? Do not be surprised to discover that you have reaped all these benefits because you truly deserve it. You did well in helping yourself become a better person. Now, it is your time to motivate others and show them that just like you, they can also change.
The locals will tell you about better wines from here, more dependable cars from there and brighter school children from almost anywhere. But no matter where you go, American tobacco is considered superior to all others. — Stephen Mason Ph.D.
Below are the top reasons why you must help others to quit smoking too:
To Lessen Second Hand Smoke
A recent study shows that second-hand smoke is more dangerous compared to the smoke inhaled by the person smoking. As such, the adverse effects of cigarettes have become available not only to smokers but even to smokers. If you want to lower down the chances of inhaling second-hand smoke, it is best if you will dedicate your time in educating others why they have to say goodbye to smoking for the rest of their lives.
To Help A Loved One
Is someone in your life addicted to smoking? Do you want to help this person live longer? If yes, then be sure to extend your helping hands to this individual. Let him feel that you are always by his side no matter what happens. Take every opportunity you can get to discuss to him the adverse effects of smoking. Keep in mind that the conversation may be awkward, mainly when the other person is not willing to listen to you. Nonetheless, it is not a good reason to stop your calling in helping others overcome smoking addiction. Keep on reaching out to the other person until everything gets better.
To Improve Your Mood
You may not know this, but the mere act of talking about things that make you happy or how you survive specific challenges and struggles in life can be beneficial on your part. You will be surprised by how recognizing your good deeds can transform you into a likable person. You will start to see your worth until you can experience the different effects once you have an improved mood. Be proud of your accomplishments. You have reached this point in your life because you were dedicated to achieving a specific goal. Now that you are done pursuing such a goal, it is time to focus on other objectives.
Conclusion
Just because you have finally overcome addiction does not mean that the others can also do it. Whether you like it or not, the truth is that a person’s decision on what to do with his life is all up to him. Your role is merely to guide that individual into the right path. Do not get easily disheartened or discouraged if you have not successfully converted a smoker into a non-smoker. It is still the other person who will decide for himself. As long as you did your part, there is nothing to worry about. Choose to move on to better tomorrows.
After three days your sense of smell and taste improve. Within 10-15 years, your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other smoking-related illnesses return to a nonsmoking level—if you quit smoking before these diseases develop. — Amy Copeland, Ph.D.