By Jenn Samson Contributing Author, a passionate freelance writer, and editor
Quitting smoking delivers both immediate and long term health benefits; within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood will drop back down to regular levels. Within five years, your risk of a stroke is diminished to the same risk level as a non-smoker. Although the health benefits of avoiding tobacco products are well known, many still find the process of quitting smoking to be incredibly difficult. But if you want to live a full and healthy life well into your later years, it’s imperative to ditch the habit. Luckily, there are a multiple all natural aids and methods that will greatly assist in the process of quitting smoking.
Eliminate The Stresses
It’s estimated that around 36.5 million Americans are still smoking, and a big factor that contributes to this is the amount of perceived stress in their daily life that has them turning to cigarettes as a vice. Eliminating the areas that trigger stress is one of the most effective all natural ways to quit. For many, financial worry is a top concern; getting control of your bank account actually becomes easier when you quit because of the huge expense that is suddenly alleviated. You are able to save around $250 a month, at least, when you stop smoking. Aromatherapy has also been proven to effectively assist with cutting down on stress levels. The use of the essential oils on a regular basis have been able to naturally assist with the process of quitting smoking through relaxation, deep breathing, and meditative practices.
Eat The Right Foods
Food is one of the most powerful natural remedies you can utilize, and eating the right nutrition greatly assists in the success rate of quitting smoking. Eating foods with high levels of Vitamin C will replenish nutrients lost and curb cravings for nicotine. This includes fruits high in citrus, guava, bell peppers, cauliflower, tomatoes, and strawberries. Vitamin D should also be increased, which can be found in fatty fish, and many dairy products. Caffeine should also be limited, with many who quit smoking naturally choosing to replace coffee with herbal tea.
Incorporate Natural Therapies
An estimated 80% of current smokers wish they could quit, and both hypnotherapy and acupuncture have been used successfully as alternate therapies to do so. The use of acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into the smoker’s body in an effort to decrease cravings and the urge to smoke. Usually inserted around the ears, the results of acupuncture to help quit smoking have been found to last up to five years. Hypnotherapy works as a top down approach to train the mind into quitting, in the hopes that the body will then follow. It works by rewiring the subconscious thoughts (when under hypnosis) into not needing or wanting to smoke, and then allowing for the conscience mind to act accordingly.
Taking back control of your health is certainly possible, and the best way to do this is through natural aids. Quitting smoking is attainable with the right tools, motivation, and mindset, and you can then lead a happier, healthier, and more organic life.
Jenn Samson is a freelance writer and editor. She used to work in PR but has been embracing the freelance life for many years now. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, hiking and traveling to Europe as much as possible.
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