Both smoking and vaping are harmful, but understanding the dangers and focusing on your personal reasons, making a firm decision, and taking action can help you successfully quit and improve your health and well-being.
Johannesburg, South Africa (15 July 2024) – Smoking has long been a known health hazard, leading to all sorts of nasty diseases. While traditional cigarettes are infamous for their damage, vaping has popped up as a modern alternative, often seen as the safer option.
But let’s be real: both smoking and vaping are pretty harmful. Understanding these dangers is important, but so is the journey of quitting. It’s been 15 years since I ditched smoking and almost a year since I gave up vaping.
How did I do it?
Well, for me, quitting boiled down to three key steps: the why, the decision, and the doing.
The Why
Figuring out “the why” gives you a strong, personal reason for quitting. It turns the idea of quitting into a clear, purpose-driven mission, boosting your motivation and resilience, making long-term success more likely.
The Decision
Making the decision to stop smoking is the first big step. It changes a vague wish into a solid goal, laying the foundation for your quitting journey.
The Doing
This is where all your planning and motivation come into play. It’s the moment you put your plan into action, experiencing, adjusting to, and ultimately overcoming the challenges of quitting.
My Journey with Smoking
I gave up smoking 15 years ago, and it’s something I’m really proud of. But it started in a place I now look back on with a bit of embarrassment. I began smoking in high school because I thought it was cool. This idea of coolness quickly turned into an addiction, and soon, I was smoking a pack a day, sometimes more.
The turning point came gradually. I started to hate the taste, the smell, and the whole experience. Toward the end, I would light a cigarette, take a few puffs, and then put it out, unable to finish it. I realised I no longer enjoyed smoking—if I ever truly had. One morning, I woke up and decided: I’m done with this.
And just like that, I stopped.
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My Journey with Vaping
But then vaping came along. At first, it was just a social thing, but it quickly turned into a daily habit. I found myself vaping constantly, all day, every day. This went on for almost two years until last year when something weird started happening.
I felt severe anxiety, amplified imposter syndrome, and a loss of composure, especially on stage when delivering Keynotes.
After some reflection, I figured out the cause: vaping.
The habit and nicotine intake were messing with my nervous system and brain. I decided to stop. While on holiday last year, I picked a day to be my last with vaping. I spent that day vaping one last time, and the next day, I tossed all my vapes and never looked back. Amazingly, my anxiety disappeared within days.
Tips for Those Looking to Quit
Quitting is a personal journey, and while the why, decision, and doing were key steps for me, you might need some extra support, so here are 5 tips to getting it done!
1. Find Your Own Why
Understanding your personal reasons for quitting can provide strong motivation. Whether it’s for your health, to set a good example for loved ones, or to save money, having a clear “why” can keep you focused and determined.
2. Set a Quit Date
Choose a specific day to quit and mark it on your calendar. This gives you a target to prepare for and makes your commitment feel more concrete. Stick to your quit date no matter what.
3. Seek Support
Don’t go it alone. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about your plan to quit and ask for their support. Join a support group or seek out online communities where you can share your experiences and gain encouragement.
4. Replace Smoking with Healthier Habits
Identify your smoking triggers and find alternative activities to replace smoking. Chew gum, eat healthy snacks, or take a walk when you feel the urge to smoke. Keeping your hands and mouth busy can help you resist cravings.
5. Use Quit-Smoking Aids
Consider using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products like patches, gum, or lozenges. There are also prescription medications that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider to find the best option for you.
Remember, your why, decision, and doing might start at different times, but you will get there. Quitting smoking or vaping is a journey worth taking for your health, well-being, and peace of mind.
You’ve got this!
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