The first line of defense against withdrawal symptoms is to stay as aware and educated on the effects of nicotine addiction as possible, so that you may combat these cravings accordingly on your quitting journey. There are many tips out there that can help you handle nicotine withdrawal, such as physical activity, making your home free of temptations, or getting help.
Even if quitting vaping is not easy, it is manageable with the right guidance, support, and attitude.
Nicotine withdrawal is a common occurrence after quitting, but it does not have to be a doom and gloom experience.
Some people who are trying to quit nicotine end up craving it when they are in environments that their use was frequent in. Seeing someone else using a vape or smoking a cigarette, smelling something that mimics the fruity flavors of a vape or lingering scents of cigarette smoke in their clothing or furniture can all be powerful triggers. Ask anyone trying to quit how they handle cravings like this and they will probably mention some form of distraction therapy – watching a movie, playing a game, calling a friend, turning on their favorite music, or heading outside for a brisk walk. It’s important to have a list of things that you enjoy using as distractions with cravings.
Follow these 5 tips for handling nicotine withdrawal:
- Get Physical!
A useful strategy to satisfy a nicotine craving is through physical activity. Physical activity can distract you and get your mind off your cravings. Studies show regular exercise reduces the urge to smoke cigarettes or vape.
The need for nicotine decreases when you are active, and does not return to baseline levels for about 50 minutes after exercise. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. A more natural way to elicit that "feel good" sensation in the brain than by ingesting nicotine is through the endorphin spike you can get from physical activity. Exercise also boosts mood and reduces feelings of nicotine cravings when they happen. Get up, start moving, and get outside!
- Use a Distraction
Your cravings are often short lived, so it is important to use things you enjoy as a distraction when you feel a craving. Find activities to pass the time, such as reading, listening to music, or playing games...
Pay attention to triggers. Nicotine cravings are strongest when we encounter familiar environments or people associated with the substance, or when we're in places where others are using it.
Find an enjoyable distraction such as listening to music, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, watching a movie, playing a game, having a snack, or calling someone to have a conversation.
Holding something else, rather than a vape, might help you relieve some dissatisfaction as cravings occur. Scientists have learned that the simple act of keeping your hands busy can relieve some of the negative feelings associated with nicotine withdrawal. You may not even miss the act of vaping at all or at least have less intense cravings.
- Set up Your Smoking-free Environment.
It is a struggle to quit nicotine. You can make the process easier on you by eliminating as much temptation as possible in your environment.
Rid your environment of temptations by disposing of everything that makes you think of vaping. Don’t forget to let your friends and family know that you are trying to quit so they are mindful of the situation when they are spending time with you. You may find even more support you didn’t realize would be there by telling others.
- Celebrating Your Successes Can Help You.
Getting through your first hours and even days can be a struggle and in turn a significant achievement. It is important to keep track of your quitting journey and reward yourself along the way. This is a long-term goal and it’s helpful to break it up into a bunch of short-term goals along the way. Through positive reinforcement, you can see that your brain can start producing reward-like feelings every time you celebrate a milestone.
- Try CAPNOS
CAPNOS provides substitutes to help you fight cravings. Nothing comes into your lungs other than the air you already breathe, with essential oils to stimulate the desire for taste and smell.
With no toxins and a similar sensation, quitting smoking has never been more appealing. It's never been easier than with a CAPNOS Zero.
CAPNOS Zero is a pressurized air inhaler that contains zero nicotine, zero smoke, and zero charge. Add some satisfaction back into your life & out of your lungs!
Need help managing your cravings ? You're not alone. Take it easy. Take one day at a time.
This article was written by Edin Mucic,
Original posting date: December 03, 2022