How to avoid starting smoking again

Not even a drag of a cigarette

It may seem like an exaggerated, obsessive prescription. It's not. Smoking is truly seductive, and even a single puff can bring you back to cigarettes. It usually happens after dinner, when you're in pleasant company, and one of the guests thrusts his pack of cigarettes under your nose with a polite invitation: "Come on, just take a puff..." Now, that's the moment you need to say a loud and clear "no, thank you."

Reduce coffee and spirits

What did you smoke the most cigarettes with? Ask yourself this question and draw conclusions. If, for example, yours was the classic ritual, starting in the morning as soon as you woke up, with the coffee-cigarette combo, then reverse your habits. Avoid coffee, especially at cigarette time, and replace it with other beverages (even tea) until you're sure you can avoid the combination. The same goes for spirits in the evening. And remember: it's just a matter of habit. And then you'll never think about cigarettes again, not even when combined with coffee and alcohol.

Avoid places frequented by smokers

There are places particularly frequented by smokers. Since they can't smoke in certain areas, such as inside restaurants or public places, smokers gather in places where there are no restrictions. Respect their choices, but avoid joining them, so you won't have any temptations to contend with.

Don't let people smoke in the house

In your home. This is a delicate topic, as it also involves your hospitality. Generally, polite and generous hosts let their guests do as they please in their home. Even smoking. But if you've recently quit smoking, you can ask everyone to please smoke in the outdoor areas of the house. And not return until three minutes have passed since their last puff. This is the time calculated by a group of researchers at the Milan Cancer Institute during which significant fine particulate matter continues to be emitted through exhalation. This is called residual tobacco smoke.

Don't give up

What if you give in once? It can happen; don't overdramatize it or consider yourself defeated. In fact, in this case, it's simply a matter of narrowing down the episode and quickly investigating its causes. A moment of extra nervousness, a desire that has resurfaced after months of dormancy, a test of your tenacity. In any case, don't give the fall too much importance, and get back on track. As a former smoker.

Eat licorice and sweets

During the first few months of your new life as an ex-smoker, candy and licorice can be helpful in suppressing cigarette cravings. However, be aware that this craving, even if very strong, is short-lived and can disappear in just a few minutes.

Don't buy cigarettes

There are ex-smokers who challenge themselves. They buy a pack of cigarettes and carry it with them at all times, so that if they give in, they have a cigarette within reach. It's a very risky battle, which severely tests your willpower. Avoid it, and be content with having quit smoking. That's the victory that counts.

Quitting saves you money

It's impossible not to reap the physical benefits of quitting smoking. Everything improves, from your breathing to your lack of sleepiness. Remind yourself of these benefits every now and then to motivate your decision to quit smoking. And also prioritize the financial aspect. The average smoker spends around €1.500-2.000 a year. You're no longer wasting that money.

Pleasant activities

Rather than dwelling on your past as a smoker, try replacing the time spent smoking with enjoyable activities. These can release endorphins, combat nervousness, and lift your mood. We're talking about a nice walk, a swim in the pool, a game of tennis, or a workout at the gym. Anything better than smoking.

You downplay the importance of cigarettes

Remember Dante's saying: "Pay no attention to them, but look and pass by." With cigarettes, especially when we've decided to end the habit, we must always plan ahead. And don't give any importance to the nicotine hit. At that point, you'll realize that smoking has been nothing more than a wasteful interlude in your life.

The benefits of quitting smoking

• In three months there is no trace of the chronic cough
• The body is healthier when cigarettes are replaced with water and natural drinks
• It's true that when you quit smoking you generally gain weight. But the weight then stabilizes in about three months, and all you need to do is follow a small control diet.
• Teeth and fingers no longer have yellowish traces of nicotine
• The breath doesn't stink
• Wrinkles fade away
• Hair and skin become brighter
• Breathing returns to normal and shortness of breath disappears.
• Taste and smell return to normal and are no longer altered by smoking

Read also:

• Which cigarettes are the most harmful?
• E-cigarettes are as harmful as other cigarettes
• Dual smokers are those who run the most risks