It’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress. Smoking is often a coping mechanism for stress, so finding alternative ways to deal with stress, such as exercise or meditation, can help reduce the urge to smoke.
One helpful strategy is to avoid triggers. Whether it’s certain people, places, or situations that make you want to smoke, try to avoid them or come up with a plan for how to deal with them without smoking.
One tip that has worked for me is finding a support system. Whether it’s friends and family or a support group, having people who are cheering you on can make all the difference.
In terms of improving lung health, I think it’s important to exercise regularly. Exercise can help improve lung function and capacity, which can be beneficial for people who have smoked in the past.
Be kind to yourself and don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Quitting smoking is a journey and setbacks are normal. The important thing is to keep trying.