7 Easy Alternatives to Smoking

If you've had your tryst with smoking, you'd know how hard it is to break up with it - irrespective of numerous health tips at your disposal. Smoking is the world's biggest serial killer, especially for men, and it is perhaps time for you to kill the killer. Worry not, it's easy! Millions have quit smoking in ways that are out-of-the-box and simple. Here are some steps you can take to find liberation.

Dark chocolate

Eating dark chocolate is one of the best substitutes for smoking. Dark chocolate increases dopamine levels in the brain - much like what nicotine essentially does. Dopamine is one of the main neurotransmitters in the brain associated with feelings of pleasure, joy, and satisfaction. So, replacing cigarettes with dark chocolate ensures your daily fix of dopamine. But, this doesn't mean you binge on it so much that your weight starts getting affected.

Sugar-free chewing gum

Cigarettes act like pacifiers for heavy smokers. Smokers constantly feel the need to keep a cigarette dangling from their lips. Scientists have found this to be a kind of oral fixation. This is where sugar-free gum comes in. They are a great alternative to breaking this habit. Sugar-free gum also provides a great workout of jaws and relieves you of anxiety.

Yoga

Yoga is one of the most powerful tools available to mankind. Meditation is easy to learn and can be done anywhere, anytime. Persistent meditators have been able to quit the worst of habits. Regular meditation keeps the mind off stress, which is another trigger for smoking. Yoga has multifaceted benefits to the human body and mind and is the perfect antidote to smoking. If you've already found a solution to break the habit, throw in Yoga as well - you'll not regret.

Exercise

Exercise purges the whole body of toxins accumulated from past smoking and rejuvenates the system by releasing endorphins that have a calming effect. Jogging or even walking are equally good alternatives and are a great way to calm the nerves. And we already know that calm nerves mean no need of pacifiers a.k.a. the friendly cigarette.

Music

According to recent studies, music is a mind-altering substance, much like nicotine. Except that it's a better one. When the urge hits, don't pull out your drawer for a smoke. Instead, reach for your earphones, stretch back, and listen to a 10-15 minutes loop of strings or any other instrument that strikes a chord.

Fluids

You can start with water and go on to refreshing fruit drinks. Fruit drinks have amazing effects on the body and are a great precursor to quitting. Frequent intake of fluids washes out some of the toxins and pollutants that have accumulated in your body as a result of smoking. They also keep you feeling full - a neat trick as smoking when feeling bloated creates discomfort.

Sex

It is a proven fact that smoking comes in the way of a great sex life. Not only does it affect overall stamina, but it also has colossal negative effects on reproductive systems. So instead of a smoke break, spend quality time with your loved one to keep those nicotine cravings at bay.

Rethinking your preferences and how you want to lead your life is the first step to quitting smoking. Come to think of it; there are many more fun things to do on this planet instead of lighting up. Did we ever need nicotine to de-stress when we were younger? Of course not!

Disclaimer: The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.