Many smokers ask this same familiar question at least once in their smoking careers; when is the best time to quit smoking? While smokers come from all walks of life and situations, they share one common issue: their habit is slowly draining their mental and physical health and killing them for the inside out. There’s never been a better time to quit, truth be told. With so many resources and support groups available, you’ll find everything you need to ditch the habit for good.
Let’s take a closer look at some great times in life to consider dropping your cigarette habit. Not only will you improve your health almost overnight, but you’ll also take a proactive step towards improving your financial future. Sound good? Let’s dive in.
Any Time
The short answer to this question is any time is a good time to quit smoking, but there are some exceptional times in life that may make the process that much more difficult. Quitting smoking is a personal choice, but it isn’t always that easy. Smoking causes an addiction to nicotine, which can make it seem impossible at times to quit. Nicotine is actually one of the most addictive substances on the planet, so don’t beat yourself up too much.
Nicotine is just one of many thousands of chemicals present in cigarettes. The chemical creates an addiction which can keep you coming back for more, and often makes the habit worse over time. You could go from smoking one pack per day to smoking 3-4 just to satisfy that addiction.
According to Cancer.org, cigarettes are home to some pretty nasty carcinogens as well. These chemicals are linked to various cancers, and you’re inhaling them every time you take a drag. Arsenic (yes, the poison), formaldehyde (need a body preserved, anyone?), carbon monoxide (is your smoke alarm going off?), and uranium (yikes) are just a few.
The bottom line? Any time you choose to quit smoking is a good time to make better choices and secure your physical, mental, and financial health. You don’t want to smoke forever, and you certainly want to live long enough to experience some of life’s greatest moments. Cigarettes can rob you of these simple pleasures and keep you rooted in poverty.
Low Stress Times
While the “any time is a good time” rule certainly applies, there are a few exceptions that you might want to consider if you don’t want your journey to be that much more difficult. For example, if you choose to quit smoking right after a breakup, you’re in for a fight. That’s not to say you shouldn’t quit, but just know that nicotine addiction actually tricks the brain into thinking you’re reducing its anxiety levels when you smoke.
The truth is, the only thing you’re reducing is the amount of time between your next cigarette. Nicotine addiction is a tricky thing; it creates the undying need for another cigarette while simultaneously tricking the brain into thinking that smoking itself is helping to calm your nerves. In reality, you’re only stressing yourself out more every time you light up.
It’s important to understand what nicotine does to your brain so you can differentiate real stress from nicotine-induced stress. Are you going through withdrawal or is the thing you’re stressing over actually that serious? This is an important distinction, and often a difficult one to make.
When You’re Supported
Whether you’re quitting cold turkey or using alternative products like tobacco free dip or CBD gummies, the best time to do so is when you’re surrounded by support. Whether it’s friends or family, an online support group or forum, or an in-person recovery group, your chances of success increase dramatically when you’re not taking the journey alone.
Nicotine addiction is something that can seem impossible to break, which is why the support of loved ones and those who have already quit is so critical to the process. Your loved ones care about you, which is why they want you to quit to begin with. You’ll have more time with them and you’ll be healthier, and thus better able to fully enjoy that time together.
There are thousands of in-person and online support groups for smokers. If you’re thinking about starting your journey toward quitting, consider joining a group to share your story and your progress with like-minded people; you might just make a few friends along the way, too.
Technology For The Win
Technology has made things infinitely easier in our lives, and the smoking cessation journey is no different. Smoking cessation apps are an excellent resource that you can utilize on your journey. They’ll provide reminders, motivation, and access to a smoking cessation community that will keep you going when things get tough. Don’t give up! You can do it!