Making the switch from tobacco products to other alternatives can change the way you go about life and have many benefits.
From no longer having a tobacco smell on your clothes to using tobacco-free products discreetly throughout the day, there are many ways you can still get that relaxing feeling without having to take a cigarette break.
Read below to discover the many ways in which you can enjoy a tobacco-free life without compromising all of the things you love about it.
Reasons to Go Tobacco-Free
There are many reasons why people choose to quit tobacco use and seek alternatives. Some people no longer get joy from smoking or have a personal or family reason for putting down cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or any other tobacco product. Many people enjoy the buzz that the nicotine in tobacco provides and seek to replicate that feeling of nicotine without the other effects of tobacco use.
Tobacco Free Alternatives
Turning away from tobacco can be hard, but there are many options to keep yourself occupied as you try to quit. Some people use different nicotine products while others turn to meditative practices. Whatever path you choose, most people try a mix of all of these alternatives to create a good balance in their lives.
Nicotine Replacement Therapies
A big part of the draw of using tobacco is the nicotine it contains. If you want to continue to get the sensation that nicotine offers without smoking, try one of the many nicotine replacement therapies like gum, patches, and pouches. Different popular products like Zyn pouches Canada are great for those who want a gradual intake of nicotine to get them through the day. They come in all kinds of flavors like spearmint and wintergreen which have a cooling effect on the gums. All you have to do is stick them in your lower lip and let them take effect. These pouches as well as nicotine chewing gum fill the void of oral fixation that cigarette smokers have as they try to quit smoking.
In addition to the chewing gum and pouches, you can also stick nicotine patches on your arm to get a nice, steady buzz throughout the day. If you want to quit nicotine, you can start with a high dosage of any of these products and gradually decrease your intake over several weeks. These nicotine replacement therapies make it easy for nicotine users to still function in daily life without having to take smoke breaks. Many can use these products actively without others even noticing that they are using them to get their daily nicotine dose because they have no smoke or smell except that of minty freshness.
Non-Nicotine Options
If you are choosing to quit not only tobacco but nicotine as well, there are several options that will help ease you away from the habit. One alternative that will feel familiar is herbal cigarettes. These are cigarettes that look and feel like the real deal but are filled with herbs like mint or clover. They smell much better than tobacco and although you are still putting smoke into your lungs, the impact is much less than that of cigarettes on your health.
Another nicotine-free option that still allows you to have the satisfying effect of smoke is vaping. There are many options nowadays for nicotine-free vapes in all kinds of fun flavors. This option is good for people who enjoy the social aspect of smoking and don’t want to give up their smoke breaks. Vaping also allows more freedom as the smoke from vapes usually smells fruity, meaning that people around you will not plug their noses as you exhale. Another added benefit is that you will no longer have to spray some body spray after a smoke because vaping leaves no smell on your clothes like cigarettes do.
Behavioral Aids
For those who want to quit cold turkey and not partake in any activities that remind them of tobacco use, behavior aids are a great alternative to all of the options above. Many people like to try out mindfulness and meditation to wean themselves off of tobacco use. With these practices, you can gain better control of your cravings and channel them into other thoughts. By waking up and practicing some meditation before starting your day and staying mindful of your actions throughout the day, you can find yourself wanting tobacco less and less.
Picking up some kind of physical activity is another behavioral aid that many people flock to after quitting tobacco. From yoga to running, turning to a sport or something to get your body moving can help your brain to be filled with concentration on that activity instead of thinking about wanting a cigarette.
How to Phase Out of Tobacco Use
Every person is different and when choosing an alternative to tobacco, your path may not be black and white. As you wean off of tobacco, it is okay to still partake every once in a while before cutting it out completely. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you to your tobacco-free goals.
Set An Official Quit Date
By putting a specific date on the calendar, you will be more likely to stick to your quitting goals.
Start Using Alternatives
The minute you decide that you are going to stop using tobacco, you should go to the store and purchase one or all of the three nicotine replacement therapies to see which one you prefer. The sooner you start with the alternatives, the better.
Set Daily Goals
Make a new goal each day to use less and less tobacco. The goals can be as small or as big as you want.
Ask People to Keep You Accountable
Inform friends and family about your intentions and ask them to keep you accountable in your quitting journey.
Stay Busy
Keeping occupied with work and activities will keep your mind from drifting towards wanting a cigarette.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Making a big life change like cutting out tobacco is a hard decision and is not an overnight journey. Be kind to yourself as you navigate the murky waters.
Going tobacco-free is difficult, but with so many great alternatives these days, it will not be long until you find something you like. From nicotine gum to meditation, find what works for you.
