We all know the harmful effects of smoking; however, not everyone is able to quit smoking. Many people get addicted to smoking, and when they try to quit, they end up facing certain challenges. If you are someone who has been trying to give up on smoking, you have come to the right place.
Before you read the things you may experience when you try quitting smoking, pat yourself on your back if you already are embarking on the journey. As it is one of the best things you can do for the betterment of your health. Its withdrawal symptoms can be challenging, but that does not mean it is impossible to quit smoking.
Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms
1. You May Have Urges To Smoke Often
When you decide to quit smoking, you may face many instances where you have the urge to smoke. Anything that reminds you of smoking, such as people you used to smoke with, places you used to smoke, or activities you used to do while smoking, such as drinking coffee, can cause cravings. They can be mild or overwhelming at times. Therefore, you should learn to manage them. Keep in mind that you will never be forced to satisfy a craving and that it will always pass.
2. You May Feel Irritated
If you feel irritation when you quit smoking, you are not alone. It is one of the most common signs of smoking withdrawal. You need to stay motivated and remind yourself that the irritation will not last long.
Also Read: How Smoking Effects Diabetics
3. Trouble Concentrating
You may feel restless and have trouble concentrating while you try to quit smoking. This happens because your body is not used to the absence of nicotine. In this case, you should try breathing exercises and perform meditation to ease your symptoms.
4. Weight Gain/Increased Appetite
You may even experience weight gain or an increased appetite, which may last for weeks. You can crave food more than ever if you don't have cigarettes to control your appetite or if you're just grumpy from quitting smoking. Try eating nuts, fruits, and healthy foods instead of unhealthy and processed foods.
5. You May Have A Cough
It may sound surprising, but you may develop a cough when you try quitting smoking.
When nicotine is present, your respiratory system cannot clean itself effectively. This is why you may experience a cough for several weeks as your body works it out.
Also Read: Can Your Lungs Self-Heal Even When You Keep Smoking? Expert Answers
6. You May Have Constipation
The body adjusts to the nicotine stimulus in people who usually need one or two cigarettes to start their day and trigger a bowel movement. However, the body develops nicotine tolerance over time. Therefore, when they quit smoking, they experience constipation. Try adding foods rich in fibre to treat this symptom.
7. Headaches
You may get headaches from smoking when you try to quit. This is because nicotine gradually alters the chemical messengers in the brain. The disruption caused by quitting nicotine has a variety of negative psychological and physical impacts.
Takeaway
Quitting smoking can be difficult, but once you pass the challenges, you'll be able to enjoy all the benefits. You will witness an improved immune system, fertility, sleep, skin, and overall health and well-being of your body.
