Smoking! A global problem that has been identified as the leading cause of death and illness in the world. Every year, smoking kills more people than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and car accidents combined. In developed countries like the United Kingdom, smoking is responsible for one in every five deaths.

Have you taken a step forward to quit smoking? It is the supreme decision of your life. It is challenging, but it will be worth it. Quit smoking feels different for everyone, but each one feels nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Your body needs to get familiar with not having nicotine. It feels uncomfortable, but it won’t hurt you. In UK online pharmacy stores, you will get products that will help you while withdrawing from smoking, like patches, gum, nasal spray, and tablets.

It is challenging, but if you look at symptoms as a sign that your body is recovering from damage caused by smoking, it becomes a bit easier to get through them. So let’s take a look at some of the most common smoking withdrawal symptoms and how to treat them. 

Smoking Withdrawal Symptoms and Tips to Manage It

Having Desire or Cravings to Smoke

Everyone feels cravings or desire to smoke from time to time. It is normal to have a strong urge to smoke when you first quit. However, these cravings usually only last a few minutes. You need to work out a way to get through them.

Here are some tips

  • Distract yourself: Do something to occupy your mind and take it off from smoking. For example, take a walk, read a book or play a game on your phone.
  • Drink water: This will help to keep your mouth and hands busy.
  • Practice deep breathing: This will help to relax your body and mind.
  • Chew gum or eat hard candy: This will help to keep your mouth busy. You will get this from a UK pharmacy store.

Having Trouble Sleeping

Feeling exhausted but can’t sleep? It is common as nicotine is a stimulant. It can take a few weeks for your body to adjust to not having it. If it is disturbing you, you can try a few things.

Here are some tips

  • Stick to a sleep routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily. It will give a signal to your body that it is time to sleep.
  • Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep.
  • Relax before bed: Try a relaxing activity such as reading or taking a bath.
  • Stay away from screen time before bed: Too much time on social media or watching television can make you feel more anxious and stressed.

Feeling Hungry or Gaining Weight

You may find that you are eating more when you stop smoking. This is because nicotine suppresses appetite. When you quit, your appetite returns, and you may feel hungrier than usual. You might eat more because of the stress of quitting or because you are trying to replace the act of smoking. Food is even more enjoyable.

Here are some tips

  • Eat healthily: Choose foods that are nutritious and will help to keep you full.
  • Avoid unhealthy snacks: Foods high in sugar or fat can give you a quick burst of energy but will make you feel tired later. Choose low-calorie foods like carrots, celery, and sugar-free mints that keep your mouth busy. Online pharmacists have many sugar-free mints and gums.
  • Stay active: Any physical activity, for example, simply going for a walk, will help control your weight.
  • Focus on eating: When you eat, focus on your food and savor the flavor. Don’t eat while you are doing something else like watching television or working. It will make you eat more. Enjoy having food!

Feeling Irritable, Angry, or Anxious

Many people feel irritable, angry, or anxious when they first quit smoking. But it’s good to quit as it causes health issues like an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and so on.

Anger and anxiousness can be treated, but staying smoke-free is more important. You feel these symptoms because nicotine is a stimulating drug, and your body is adjusting to not having it.

Here are some tips

  • Identify your triggers: What makes you angry or anxious? Once you know what your triggers are, you can avoid them or have a plan to deal with them.
  • Exercise: This will help to improve your mood and reduce stress.
  • Remind yourself: This is only temporary, and it will get better.

Having Trouble Concentrating

You find it hard to concentrate because nicotine improves focus and concentration. When you quit smoking, you may feel like your mind is foggy. It’s quite normal and will improve with time.

Here are some tips

  • Get organized: Make a to-do list of things you need to do. This will help you concentrate on a particular task at a time.
  • Take breaks: If you struggle to concentrate, take a break and come back later.
  • Get enough sleep: A good night’s sleep will help you feel rested and focus better.

Feeling Sad or Depressed

You may feel down. This is because nicotine can act as an antidepressant. When you stop smoking, your body adjusts to not having nicotine, which can cause mood swings that turn into anxiety and depression.

Here are some tips

  • Consult your doctor: If you feel down, talk to your doctor. They can prescribe medication to help you through this tough time.
  • Reward yourself: Treat yourself to something special when you reach milestones, such as not smoking for a week or a month. It will help you motivate and keep going.
  • Talk to a friend: Talking to someone who understands what you are going through can help you to feel better.

Summing Up

Is smoking the only solution to calm your nerves? A big NO! Don’t get tricked by nicotine because it’s more harmful than helpful. Nicotine is as hooking as cocaine and heroin. It takes over your life without you even realizing it.

Smoking withdrawal symptoms can be tough to deal with, but there are ways to manage them. The most important thing is to stay smoke-free. You may experience some withdrawal symptoms, but they will go away with time. UK online pharmacy helps you quit smoking by providing products like nicotine gum, patches, inhalers, etc.

Don’t give up! The rewards are worth it. You feel better, look better, and have more money in your pocket.