It’s hard to deny the pleasures of a good smoke and vape. Whether you’re enjoying a midday blunt or using your favorite vape pen around the house, sometimes there’s little we enjoy more than a nice smoke sesh.
However, we can also concede that smoking weed on a regular basis isn’t quite as enjoyable in the long run. If you’d like to take a step towards quitting your habit for a little while or for good, there are a few helpful tips that you can use.
If you’re ready to kick it old school, and we mean as old school as it gets by going cold turkey and giving up weed, keep reading, and we’ll walk you through the steps that beat trying to quit cold turkey.
Utilize Distractions to Replace Smoking and Vaping
The best way to smoke and vape less is to utilize distractions to replace smoking and vaping. The key is finding activities that will keep your hands and your mind busy. Reading a book, playing sports, going for a walk or run, or playing video games are great activities to help break the habit.
Doing a puzzle or learning a new skill can also be effective. Additionally, drinking water or chewing gum can help give your digestive system the flavor it craves while helping pass the time.
Reach Out for Professional Support
To smoke and vape less, seeking professional support is a great first step. Many people struggle to break the habit on their own and require support from others. You may consider talking to a doctor, psychologist, or addiction specialist to help you understand the causes of your behavior and develop a plan to reduce or quit smoking and vaping. Visit xxiicentury.com to get this started.
They can offer resources such as nicotine replacement therapies and provide an atmosphere of understanding and support. Your primary doctor, or even an online search, can provide you with information on local groups or organizations that offer support.
Friends and family can also be helpful in providing moral support and accountability as you make lifestyle changes to reduce or quit smoking and vaping. Taking these proactive steps to create a healthier life is vital, and support is key to helping you reach your goals.
Cut Down the Amount of Nicotine You Use
Cutting down the amount of nicotine you use is an effective way to reduce your consumption of cigarettes and vaping devices. To help you smoke and vape less, start by gradually lowering the nicotine strength of your cigarettes or vaping liquids.
If you are a smoker, switch to a cigarette with a lower nicotine content, and if you are a vaper, switch to e-liquids with a lower nicotine percentage. Once you’ve switched to a lower strength, use it for a period of time and then gradually lower it further.
You could also reduce the frequency of smoking or vaping per day. This means substituting cigarettes or vaping devices with other things such as walking, yoga, and other deep breathing exercises.
Set a Date and Time to Stop
Setting a date and time to stop smoking or vaping is an essential step in quitting. It allows you to commit to a specific goal and plan out how to get there. You should set a timeline for quitting that works for you and look for small milestones that you can be proud of along the way.
Begin by setting a realistic goal for yourself, and consider seeking support from a quit-smoking program or practitioner. For example, plan to reduce your smoking or vaping by a certain amount each week or find substitutes to help you gradually cut back.
Find ways to reward yourself for reaching each milestone, like treating yourself to a favorite activity that’s not associated with smoking or vaping. With the right plan and commitment, you can make quitting smoking or vaping a success.
Go Cold Turkey
If you wish to smoke and vape less, the best way to achieve this is to Go Cold Turkey. This method requires a strong will and deliberate effort to quit and can be extremely difficult to begin with.
To ensure you stay on track, plan and prepare yourself mentally for the task ahead. If you’re using a device such as an e-cigarette, start by moving to a nicotine-free liquid and gradually lowering your nicotine intake per puff.
If you’re smoking normal cigarettes, try to cut down the amount you have each day or maybe even cut out some days entirely. Avoid situations where you are more likely to reach for a cigarette or popular vapes and use distractions such as exercise and new hobbies to replace the habit.
Find Healthy Alternatives to Smoking and Vaping
If you cannot resist having a smoke or water vape, other various methods could help you. Snacking in between smokes or vaping could be a great distraction while also providing nourishment. Other activities to replace smoking and vaping, such as walking, running, yoga, reading, and playing with your pet, could also be great alternatives.
Eating fruits and vegetables is also a great way to feel less inclined to smoke or vape. Giving yourself rewards for not smoking is another great way to motivate yourself and stay smoke-free and vape-free.
Remain Accountable and Track Progress
Holding yourself accountable and tracking progress will help make the change more effective and sustainable. Make use of tools and resources available, such as online support groups, apps, and even tracking on a calendar.
Consider rewards for milestones achieved and potential consequences if the goal isn’t met. Keeping an account of minor successes encourages continued progress and also serves as a reminder of why the goal was set in the first place. Moreover, understanding the triggers associated with smoking and vaping, as well as ways to cope with withdrawals, allows for more successful self-regulation.
Learn How to Smoke and Vape Less
To be successful in reducing smoke and vaping, the best advice is to start small. Take a few minutes to assess personal triggers and create a plan to avoid them.
Find healthier activities to do during a craving and practice using healthier replacements whenever possible. Investing in support and resources will help make the process easier and more successful.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if needed. Start today and break the habit!
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