Taking a break from smoking can be tough.
While most would do anything to even just have a vacation from cigarettes, having a permanent stop would practically be a blessing. However, what if we told you that quitting on vacation was the best way to really leave the habit behind for good? With the right strategy in place, your next vacation could be the perfect opportunity to finally enter the realm of becoming a nonsmoker. Here’s why:
There’s No More Excuse of “The Right Day”
Almost every smoker has been guilty of being scared out of quitting. Perhaps it was a night where you couldn’t sleep or a sudden bout of the cold, there was some moment that made you say ‘tomorrow’s the day I finally quit’. Although these negative situations are inspiring, they usually don’t end up helping you quit…nor do the random bits of motivation when you’re actually in a good mood that says “Monday’s the day!” or “Three weeks from today is it!’.
Truth be told, once the idea of quitting comes around, we start to get scared of all the moments we’ll miss from cigarettes. Whether that be drinking with friends, after a nice meal, or during our morning coffee, there’s almost always a cigarette you’ll never truly want to give up. However, that’s why quitting on your vacation can be such a wise choice, providing an opportunity to really reset your schedule and routine.
It’s Easier To Change Habits
With no regular routine in place, it’s much easier to adapt to a change in habit. Depending on how much success you’ve had with quitting smoking before, it can be hard to quit cold turkey, especially with the older you get. If this sounds like it might be true for you, then using a tobaccoless alternative like Black Buffalo (blackbuffalo.com) can be a smart alternative. Give yourself a chance to adapt to a healthier lifestyle without overbearing yourself, providing a clear path to cessation.
Vacations Are A Time To Splurge
When you quit smoking, it sometimes can be fun to start spending like a nonsmoker. While that’s not to say go excessive and extreme with your spending habits, it does mean that this vacation is especially about treating yourself. Whether that’s more nice dinners, a new experience, or spending on some new clothes, being able to take that money from cigarettes and use it for newer things is always something you can get used to.
Getting Out And About Will Be Much More Enjoyable
Another underrated thing about quitting smoking is having fewer smoke breaks. Especially on vacation where you’ll probably be doing more exploring, taking out those breaks is actually more relaxing than you might imagine. Whether we’re okay with admitting it or not, more smoke breaks than not are some you had to go on, not ones you wanted. It’s freeing to not let cigarettes dictate your schedule or well-being in a place, especially on vacation.
Your Loved Ones Will Have More Quality Time
Fewer smoke breaks mean more time with family and friends. As you most likely have loved ones that don’t smoke, you’ll be able to genuinely spend hours with them without having to get up for a cigarette. The difference doesn’t seem like much to you since you’re feeding a pang, but those left hanging at the kitchen table or living room certainly notice the emptiness, where the vibe needs to be restarted again. Instead, no smoking means you can really start to learn what genuine quality time is like with those who don’t smoke.
You’ll Finally Be Able To See What It’s Like To Truly Chill
Smokers can’t relax. Even though we love to lie and say to ourselves that cigarettes chill us out, we know that deep down, the cigarette is what causes us to feel anxious in the first place. Due to this reason, we never really know what it’s like to relax, which this vacation can start to give you a taste of. Yes, you’ll experience pangs, however, just remember that they only last a few minutes, and soon, you’ll barely notice them at all.
You’ll Return To Real Life Much Healthier
Even if you still get the slight craving when you get back (they can last up to a couple of weeks), your body will be in much healthier shape than before. Not only will you be breathing better, but you’ll be much more relaxed and adjusted to handle the workweek.
As you won’t feel the tension or pressure of being a smoker, you can get up in the morning and go straight to getting yourself right. Freeing yourself from the constraints of cigarettes is something you’ll thank yourself over time and time again, which you should celebrate each and every day.
