Smoking is an addiction for nicotine as well as the act of smoking. It is a difficult task to quit smoking and even more difficult for many to stay quit. This is why most people take multiple attempts until they can finally quit for good. There are many cessation programs available that can help people with quitting as most may not be aware of all the side-effects and how to handle them effectively.
Side effects of quitting smoking
Although it is the best decision you can take for yourself to give up smoking, there are some symptoms and side-effects that you may experience as soon as you stop. This is because the body is accustomed to nicotine and tobacco and initially reacts to the absence of these, but adjusts pretty quickly to the change.
These are just some side-effects that you may experience as soon as you quit. These may last for a few days or weeks, depending on the duration of your usage and the amount you smoked. But they will soon wear off.
- Withdrawal and cravings:They are the biggest side-effects of quitting. If you are prepared to face these, it will be much easier to quit. This may include feeling dizzy, weak and wanting to smoke.
- Stress: You will have to find ways to deal with stress, now that you cannot just go and take a smoke whenever you feel stressed. Smoking, in fact, increases stress and is better kept far away during stressful times.
- Mood swings and irritability: This is when your body and mind are trying to adjust to the absence of nicotine and smoke in the body. It only lasts for a while, about a week or two, before it wears off.
- Weight gain: If you do not read up on quitting, you may end up using lots of replacements and eat huge servings of sweets and chocolates and gain weight. You need to make sure that you eat healthy foods like fruits and keep junk away.
- Coughing: You might have incessant coughing and a dark colored mucous expelled every time you cough. This is the natural body mechanism of getting rid of toxins from lungs.
- Exercise: it is important that you start a regular exercise routine, this will keep you from gaining weight as well as help you with cravings and regaining fitness and health.
These are just temporary side-effects that will go away in a few days or weeks. These should not deter you from quitting as giving up has far more beneficial effects on your health and will help you lead a healthier longer life.
