Hi, there! If you’ve happened to stumble across this article, chances are, you’re looking for a reliable guide to start stamping out your vaping addiction. Now, before we begin, I would like to clarify two things. First, this is a no-judgement zone – we don’t care if you vape, smoke or drink. Let’s face it, it’s 2021, people are free to do as they like. Secondly, congratulations on finally deciding to prioritize your health. As cool and as chic as it looks puffing your e-cig a la supermodels, you know they always come with side effects. ‘’Popcorn lung’’, pneumonia, excessive coughing, the list goes on.
And before you go about defending your beloved e-cig or vape, saying, ‘’But they’re at least clean and do not pollute the air as much as cigars do. We can safely smoke them inside our homes, cars and offices without leaving foul traces all over.’’ Okay, listen here, Alexa Chung. According to studies, anything that is related to the word ‘’cig’’ is indeed dangerous. And surprisingly, one pen vape can contain a higher level of nicotine than cigarettes – that’s why you’re addicted, girl. The more you know. Anyhow, now that you’re looking for a place to start practicing ‘’reducing’’ the addiction, consider this the place that your journey to a healthier lifestyle began.
Below, we share 4 tips from an international health and wellness expert, to help you step back from the addiction of vaping. Here you go:
1. Cut Down Your Vaping ‘’Sesh’’
According to celebrity wellness specialist, Erica Spiegelman, the first step is to be disciplined in cutting down your vaping sessions. If, before this, you vape, I don’t know, 6 times per day, try to cut down to three sessions. Erica explained, “Smoking cessation therapy can help to wean down the levels of nicotine that the individual has been using, or you can wean down yourself.’’ In short, monitor the amount of nicotine you take per day. If you’re planning to purchase a new one, make sure you select the lower percentage. Keep on practicing until you feel comfortable with little to no nicotine.
2. Set A Date To Stop
Have you ever heard the line ‘’mind over everything?’’. Yes, it is a good mantra to remember when you want to achieve something. For example, you might want to stop vaping a week before Christmas this year. Erica suggests you jot down the exact date or time when you’re planning to quit and make sure you’re doing the best you can to achieve your goals. “Set this goal, and tell someone, so there is accountability and that way, you can cut down the amount of nicotine or times you vape a day.” By the time it’s Christmas, you’ll be nicotine-free! Yay, now go celebrate with a new pair of shoes.
3. Consider Cold Turkey?
I know, I know, you might think it’s ridiculous, but believe it or not, there are people who have managed to stop vaping in just one single night. You just have to prepare your mental strength. Erica even encourages the method, saying, “It may be rough at first, but in the long run, you will address the issue head-on […] This will protect your lungs and skin from further damage and oxidative stress than if you take a lengthier route, and while the withdrawal period might be more intense, it will be shorter-lived.’’
4. Sweat It Off
Last but not least, Erica suggests you incorporate a good sweat activity every day to reduce nicotine intake. Consider an active body movement like walking, jogging, or even Pilates every time you feel the urge to start the puffing session. If you start to feel uncomfortable around your mouth, Erica urges you to chew on healthy foods. ‘’Try sunflower seeds or pistachios for that oral fixation. Or chew on a toothpick like the Fonz.’’ As for drinks, please stay away from caffeine, as caffeine and nicotine go hand-in-hand in addiction. You better start sipping some green tea, and your H20. Good luck in your journey, we’re rooting for you girl!