New Delhi: Every year on second Wednesday of March is observed as ‘No Smoking Day’ to raise awareness against the detrimental effects of smoking tobacco. The reason being tobacco a very major problem in the world especially in India.
A recent survey conducted by ‘Consumer VOICE’ amongst adults in 10 states found that over 80% of Indians believe that the use of cigarettes, bidis and smokeless tobacco is a very serious problem and 88% strongly support the strengthening of the current tobacco control law to address this menace.
Here are some tips for making you and your loved ones quit smoking:
- Make sure you discard all things related to smoking, like lighter, ash tray etc.
- Watch videos or listen to podcasts that describe the ill effects of smoking in great detail.
- Try staying away from caffeine in order to curtail the craving for nicotine.
- Approach NGOs or other groups and organisations that help in getting rid of addictions.
- Be around friends who do not smoke and visit places that do not permit smoking.
- Make sure that you take adequate rest and follow a healthy lifestyle as tiredness and fatigue can cause craving for nicotine.
- Keep your body hydrated and exercise regularly.
- Download apps that are meant for assisting in quitting smoking.
- Make a group of friends and family where you can ask for support when you feel triggered to smoke.
- Keep contacts of ‘quit smoking’ helplines handy.
- Try taking Nicotine Replacement Therapy.
- Ensure that you have things to help you sail through during the withdrawal symptoms.
- Make note of things that will become better after you have finally quit and put it as your phone wallpaper so that you are reminded of it every now and then.
Also some ‘no smoking’ quotes to help you quit smoking and also encourage your loved ones to say no to the bad habit:
- “Every time you try to quit smoking you are actually getting closer to staying smoke-free.” – Henry Ford
- “You’re always better off if you quit smoking; it’s never too late.” – Loni Anderson
- “A cigarette is the only consumer product which when used as directed kills its consumer.” – Gro Brundtland
- “Cigarettes are a classy way to commit suicide.” – Kurt Vonnegut
- “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousand times.” – Mark Twain
- “Quitting smoking might be the hardest thing to do in life, but at least you will have one.” – Anonymous
- “Smoking is suicide by instalments.” – H.M. Forester
- “Today just might be the best day to start seriously thinking about quitting smoking.” – Alexander Woollcott