Marcus Richards
Quitting smoking can be a very tricky process, one that requires not only physical but also mental and emotional preparation.
You’ll likely go through a rollercoaster of emotions, some of which might be quite difficult to get through without that comforting nicotine hit. Here we look at some of the mental and emotional challenges that can come with quitting smoking, and also hope you can help the quitting process by dealing with cravings, trying-out vaping approaches such as the hangsen e liquid, and we also delve into the emotional benefits of a cigarette-free life.
Cravings
Cravings are likely to be of the most significant challenges that you’ll face when you first stop smoking. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and when you quit smoking, your body will want more of it, resulting in a range of different mental and emotional symptoms. Nicotine cravings can be very intense, and they often last for several weeks.
Mood swings
Quitting smoking can also cause significant mood changes. It’s likely that you’ll feel irritable, anxious, or depressed in response to relatively small events, or even in response to nothing at all. These mood swings will be a challenge to manage, but with the right support, you’ll be able to get through them.
Anxiety and stress
For many people, smoking is used as a coping mechanism for both anxiety and stress. When you quit smoking, it’s likely that you’ll need to find other tools to help you through stressful situations. It can be difficult, but try to learn a variety of relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises that can be done whenever you find yourself getting overwhelmed.
Lack of motivation
Your journey to quitting smoking won’t be linear. You might find the first week incredibly easy, and then really struggle with motivation when you get to the second week – each person will have a different experience. Finding ways to stay motivated can be essential to successfully quit smoking, so define your motivations before you quit to increase your chances of success.
Fear of failure
Many people who quit smoking have attempted to quit before, and the fear of failure can be a significant mental and emotional barrier. You may worry that you won’t be successful, or that you’ll relapse in the future. Try not to think about that – all you can control is the present moment, and in the moment, you can always say no to smoking.
Feeling a loss of identity
While it may sound trivial, smoking can absolutely become a significant part of a person’s identity. If you’ve been smoking for quite some time, when you come to give up smoking, you may feel as if you’re losing a part of yourself. However, finding new symbols and habits around which to build your identity is quite easy, and can be a fun process.
As is clear by now, the mental and emotional journey of quitting smoking can be just as challenging, if not more so, than the physical journey. It’s important to remember that quitting smoking is a process, and there will be plenty of emotional ups and downs along the way.
Finding support, developing coping strategies such as vaping, and staying motivated can be essential to successfully quitting smoking. With commitment and a well-thought-out plan, you can absolutely overcome the mental and emotional challenges of quitting smoking, and enjoy a smoke-free life.
