New year, fresh start: 4 tips to help you cut back on your nicotine intake

If your New Year’s resolution is to quit smoking combustible cigarettes or simply lower the nicotine concentration level that you vape, it’s important to thoroughly plan your fresh start to ensure success. After all, there’s a lot of pressure to follow through on resolutions, which is why you should try these healthy, habit-breaking techniques. 

Tip #1: Be kind and reward yourself

It’s easy to be hard on yourself when you’re trying to quit smoking or lower your nicotine intake, which is why it’s important for you to remember to be kind during this challenging time. When transitioning away from combustible cigarettes, each person handles the situation differently. While some may be able to quit cold turkey with zero support, others require a variety of quit-smoking methods to keep them on track, with the possibility of relapsing in the process. That said, a small relapse doesn’t mean that you won’t quit smoking for good, so be kind to yourself to keep on track. In fact, give yourself a reward if you manage to remain smoke-free for a longer period of time than before and consider combating nicotine effects by using an e-cig instead of trying to quit cold turkey. You can also take the money you would have to spend on combustible cigarettes and use it to treat yourself—shop for a new outfit, head out on the town with friends, or start saving towards that dream vacation.  

Tip #2: Know your triggers so you can catch them before anything happens

Do you usually find yourself with a combustible cigarette in your hands at social gatherings? This is likely because it has been embedded in your routine, which has resulted in an inability to be around certain people and/or environments without smoking. That’s why it’s so important to know which people and/or environments are triggers for you so that you can set boundaries and avoid situations that will prompt you to smoke. While it isn’t fair for you to completely cut these circumstances out of your life, being aware allows you to prepare yourself to help stop triggers from tempting you to smoke. 

Tip #3: Exercise and eat well 

Not only does regular movement and good food elevate your mood but it also helps to fend off stress. Whether you walk, run, or enjoy a gym routine, when a craving for combustible cigarettes comes knocking, you can ditch some of the withdrawal symptoms when you get moving. That said, similar to good cravings, nicotine cravings will tempt you back to smoking or higher e-cig nicotine concentration levels, so if you feel like a snack, be sure to reach for a healthier choice that’s filled with nutrients. In conjunction with exercise, you will feel better overall. 

Tip #4: Reach out for support so you don’t have to do it alone

While quitting smoking and/or lowering your nicotine intake with your e-cig device is something that needs to be decided on your own, letting your family, friends, and coworkers know that you’re trying to cut back is a great way to build up your support system. Providing words of encouragement is a great method of staying smoke-free and if you’re currently vaping, cutting back with a loved one offers an additional means of motivation, as they provide you with an outlet to vent about nicotine effects and frustrations, providing you with a more understanding support network.