Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in India, responsible for more than 8 lakh deaths each year. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Within minutes of quitting, your blood pressure and heart rate drop. Within hours, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood return to normal. Within days, your lungs start to heal. And within weeks, your risk of heart attack and stroke starts to decrease.

If you’re ready to quit smoking, here’s a list of things you can do to increase your chances of success:

1. Make a quit plan. Decide when you are going to quit and what strategies you will use to help you stay quit.
2. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers that you are quitting. They can offer you support and encouragement.
3. Get rid of all of your cigarettes, lighters, and ashtrays. This will help you avoid temptation.
4. Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones can all help you manage stress without smoking.
5. Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. There are a variety of NRT products available, including patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and inhalers.
6. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can offer you additional support and advice.

The benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and include:

– Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer
– Improved lung function
– Clearer skin and better sense of taste and smell
– Increased energy levels
– Improved mood
– Improved fertility
– Improved immune system
– More money in your pocket
– Saving the planet one butt at a time!

But let’s be honest – the road to becoming smoke-free isn’t always a smooth one. As you take those steps towards quitting, you might face the notorious withdrawal symptoms – the unwelcome sidekicks of your tobacco-free journey. Brace yourself for these temporary challenges:

1. Intense Cravings: The Nicotine Nagging – Those pesky nicotine cravings can be relentless, making you feel like you’re missing out on some secret party. But fret not; these cravings are just your body’s way of adjusting to the change. Remember, they’re temporary and will loosen their grip as time goes on.

2. Mood Swings and the Grump-o-Meter – Some emotional turbulence is expected. The mood swings might make you feel like you’ve suddenly become a rollercoaster of emotions, with no off-switch in sight.

3. Concentration Conundrum – Who stole your focus? That’s right, nicotine’s departure has left your brain wondering where its favorite distraction went.

4. Hunger Games: The Crave for Calories – You might notice your appetite going haywire, while it’s tempting to indulge in every craving, try to make healthier choices. And don’t fret over a little weight gain; it’s a small price to pay for the greater victory ahead.

5. Fatigue and Sleep Hurdles – Nicotine’s absence can mess with your sleep patterns, leaving you tossing and turning at night.

Remember, these withdrawal symptoms are temporary and a sign that your body is healing from the damage caused by smoking.

Now, take a moment and ask yourself: What dreams and goals have you put on hold because of smoking? How would achieving those aspirations feel without the burden of cigarettes? The path to a smoke-free life is challenging, but it’s never too late to quit smoking and make a positive change in your life.

So, are you ready to take that first step toward a healthier, happier future?

Discover support and healing at the Deaddiction Clinic, by MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai.

To know more, visit us at www.mgmcancerinstitute.in or call +91 44 4251 5151.