Not Smoking Is A Lifestyle

Transitioning from smoker to non-smoker is a much more complex proposition than most realize. The most important step that you can take is to choose activities that appeal to you. Think of it this way: You wouldn't go on an all-fish diet if you didn't like the taste of fish. Smoking is a significant aspect of your life. When you stop, it will leave a hole. It is paramount that you fill that hole with activities that you actually enjoy.

Quitting

You can apply this concept of the path of least resistance to the quitting process as well. The key to quitting is to sleep better, eat better, exercise better and be more active overall, both physically and mentally. In other words, successfully quitting smoking is a matter of changing your lifestyle. When you quit, keep a journal of successes and failures. If quitting takes several attempts, this journal will help you improve each time you try.

Habit

We are creatures of habit, and our lifestyle is a collection of those habits. The easiest way to abandon a negative habit is to replace it with a positive one. In order to create good habits, choose activities that appeal to you. If you dislike running or jogging, then maybe you can replace that with riding a bicycle or extended dog walks. Find something that works for you.

Eating Right

Eating right is important for everyone, but it is especially important for the person who has quit smoking. Smoking provides the body with sugar, which is why it suppresses appetite. When that sugar is gone, appetite will increase, which means great opportunity for bad habits to form. Overcome this by eating often but in small amounts. You may even need to eat six to eight times a day, but that's all right as long as you're eating healthy foods and staying within a reasonable calorie limit.

Exercise

The key to proper exercise to sticking to it, and in order to stick to it, you need to make it a habit. Find the exercise that you enjoy most and start with that. In the beginning, structure is the key. Optimal exertion can come later. Once you start to form exercise habits, you're find yourself more open to broadening your horizons.

Lifestyle Activities

Many smokers lead inactive lifestyles. Exercising is a good start in changing that, but it's not enough alone. You have to fill your life with activities that will challenge you mentally. If you feel forced to do stuff, then you're not likely to succeed, which is why it so important to choose activities that appeal to you.

Conclusion

The mental aspect is the most important factor in changing your lifestyle. When you quit smoking, think of it as a beginning and not an end. If you approach this process as an exciting opportunity to course correct your life, you'll increase the odds for success considerably.

Smoking is a significant aspect of your life. When you stop, it will leave a hole. It is paramount that you fill that hole with activities that you actually enjoy.