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Do Air Purifiers Remove Odors?

No one likes a stinky smell. But when you think about it, that is kind of the point.

A foul smell is almost always a warning that something isn’t right in the state of Denmark.

But have you ever thought about how it would be live without the sense of smell.

Smell is actually very important to our survival.

So many dangers like rotting food , gas leaks, etc are averted everyday because of the basic function of smell.

Our noses are actually one of the best   natural alert systems to keep us aware the possibility of danger.

But of course there is such a thing as lingering odors that continue to assault your membranes after the source of the rotten smell is found and eradicated.

Odors like cigarette smoke, that end up turning into third hand smoke and leave there unpleasant aroma everywhere for months and years to come.

Do air purifiers remove odors?

Yes there are air purifiers that utilize a technology called activated carbon that will absolutely absorb pungent odors. Pet smells, third hand smoke, lingering cooking odors, and gases.

Even more importantly . Activated carbon is capable of absorbing odorless gases.

But An air odor eliminator machine will remove odor from the air as long as you understand that it can only do so much.

What I mean is:
it will not clean the kitty litter for you.
It will not dispose of rotten food for you.
It will not do the dishes.
It will not scrub the kitchen.
It will not clean the toilet.

You get the point. So many odors are basically trying to tell you to take the trash out.

And eliminating these odors, like it or not, would not be the best thing for you.

Imagine if you could not smell bacteria and mold growing in the trash can or the sink.

How long would it take for someone to get seriously ill from it?

But there are many odors that you are fundamentally not able to do anything about.
Vocs are odors that usually come from chemicals around the house and office.

Consumer products like solvents and adhesives including carpet adhesives
can put off a bad smell as well as give you headaches and other adverse health reactions.

Other vocs around the house include natural Gas, wood stoves, chimneys,etc.

Are activated carbon air filters safe? Are they dangerous?

No activated carbon filters are not dangerous. On the contrary, they are one of the safest means of air purification available.

Carbon is one of the main elements of the Earth’s crust. When it is heated to right temperature it becomes extremely porous.

What do carbon air filters do?

Carbon Filters are so porous that they are able to capture particulates as small as gas.
And are is particularly good at absorbing odors.

People have been using carbon as a filter for water for literally thousands of years.
Another one of its popular early uses was for the decoloration of sugar.

Though today, its primary market is water filtration,  it’s also used and multiple other Industries. Dry cleaning, alcohol production, corn refining, and gas absorption to name a few.

Rivaling its ability to filter carcinogens from drinking water is it’s amazing capacity to absorb odors.

It’s excellent air filtering abilities also make it very good for gas mask.

The carbon in air filters primarily comes from heated coal. Activated carbon and activated charcoal are the same thing basically. Activated carbon made from charcoal is the primary type of filter for air purification.

Unfortunately activated carbon cannot work alone to completely filter ambient air.
Pores are much too small to capture other particulates and allergens like pollen,dust mites, mold spores, and dander.

You need a HEPA filter to capture this size of air contaminants.

You rarely find an air purifier that contains a carbon filter but not a HEPA filter. They generally go hand-in-hand.

Can you wash and reuse a activated carbon filter?

Yes and no.

Carbon filters are very porous. And the pores themselves are very miniscule. Once the pores are full, there really is no washing them out.

But the outside of the filter can get covered with larger debris like hair and lint and so forth.

This will definitely keep the charcoal filter from doing its job properly. Getting the junk off of the outside will allow air to flow through the filter as it is intended to be.

Cleaning the outside of the filter can be as easy as taking a wash rag and wiping it off using a stiff bristle brush and doing a light scrub.

A even better solution is to purchase a air purifier that has a pre-filter so that your carbon filter and your HEPA filter do not get clogged with larger debris.

A Pre-filter is usually a permanent part of the air purifier that is made to come out and wipe off easily.

How much do carbon filters cost?

Carbon filters are primarily used in water filtration and air filtration.

Water filtering carbon filters will run anywhere from $200 to $300 and up.

Carbon filters for air purifiers are much cheaper and can run as low as $10 and average about $20.

The more dense and heavier the activated carbon, the better result you will get from it.

A Humidifier vs An Air Purifier For Your Baby?

As a mother or a father, it goes without saying you want the best for your baby. 

You may not realize it but the air you breathe in your home is as crucial to their health as any lotion or product that you rub on your baby’s skin. 


If you’re thinking of buying an air purifier or a humidifier for your baby’s room you need to know the difference between the two. 

What functions differ one from the other.

 You may find that you need both depending on the season.

The main purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air. 

Humidity is definitely not something you want all year long. 

But in the winter months when you’re stuck indoors and the heater is going 24/7, the indoor air can become extra dry and that can mean a whole lot of heartache for your baby and for yourself taking care of your baby.

Dryer air is particularly hard on a baby because it causes the mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to dry out. 

This can add up to it being a lot harder for your little one to stay asleep.

The primary type of humidifiers are evaporative, the mist, and the ultrasonic. 

They all work pretty much the same, turn water into mist and distribute it through the air. 

They’re generally no replacement parts on these types of machines. The only maintenance is to keep them clean and do not let mold grow in them.

An air purifier, as distinguished from a humidifier is an appliance that purifies the air. 

Most air purifiers feature a HEPA filter that is capable a filtering out indoor air pollutants up to 97 percent. 

Most people do not realize that the same heating and air units that distribute warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer, also distribute mold and bacteria. 

 So along with the dryer air that comes from having the heater going indoors, there is also the component of the heater blowing around bacteria and germs, adding to the problem of not resting and feeling fussy.

 An air purifier versus a humidifier for a baby may outweigh the need of a humidifier but the truth is, especially during the winter months both working in concert is the best plan.

 Unlike humidifiers, air purifiers do require replacement parts. Typically the filter. 

 Another point to consider is that air purifiers and humidifiers are a little noisy. There are companies that spin the sound the units make as a blanket a white noise to help your baby sleep. 

So as long as you do your due diligence and find one that is not overly noisy, that may be a good thing.

 Babies and children can have a hard time and be especially susceptible to irritants and triggers that come with airborne allergens and bacteria. Combining these pollutants with dry air can make your babies and yourself miserable.

Do yourself a favor and acquire an air purifier and a humidifier to keep in your home and help give your baby a healthy airspace and better chances for  long nights of sleep and good restful naps.

 

Our Top 6 Gutter Cleaning Hacks

As the seasons change, it’s time to take care of the home and undo the damage of the last season. One task that you may have to do – as much as you don’t want to – is cleaning out the gutters.

Never overlook the importance of clean gutters.

There are a number of reasons that you should keep them clean, including preventing flooding, roof damage, and more. A dirty gutter is also a potent source of mold. Mold thrives in moist conditions like a clogged gutter. It’s important that you get your gutters cleared out regularly, even if you have to do it yourself.

The good news is that keeping utters clean doesn’t have to be as tough as you think it is. There are lots of ways to make the process faster and safer. Here are six of the very best gutter cleaning hacks to help you get through this arduous chore.

  1. Rain Gutter Cleaner

The rain gutter cleaner is a great way to keep your gutters clean without having to invest a lot of time or money. What’s so great about the rain gutter is that it is a perfectly safe way to keep gutters clean. Anyone who has climbed up their ladder and tried to hand remove leaves understands how nasty – not to mention dangerous – it can be. The Rain Gutter Cleaner uses water to keep gutters clean. It costs around $10 to set up your own Rain Gutter Cleaner, so consider getting one of your own installed.

  1. Extendable Gutter Cleaning Wands

This is a hose attachment that works wonders for keeping gutters clean. It turns your hose into a pressure washer, putting out enough pressure to keep leaves out of a gutter. It also has a number of other uses including cleaning the car. There’s nothing quite like a multi-purpose tool. After all, the more a tool can do, the more likely you are to want to invest in it!

  1. Gutter Wedges

While you can invest in a gutter guard system, they tend to cost in the thousands. That’s a lot of money for something like keeping gutters clean. There’s no point in spending that kind of money when you can just invest in a more cost-effective solution like the Gutter Wedge. It features a patented flow-through design that makes leaves and other debris flow up and away from the downspout opening. This keeps the gutter clear to allow rainwater to quickly and efficiently be drained. Best of all, it takes just a few minutes to set up and install.

  1. Get Some New Tools

There are lots of other tools out there that are designed to make gutter cleaning easier. One of the best is the “GutterTongs”. They perform pretty much as you would expect with a name like that. They work with any type of gutter, removing the need to climb a ladder by scooping leaves out of a gutter with the same type of tongs that you would use to toss a salad – if salad tongs were 12 feet long. You can also use the GutterTongs to hold your hose and give gutters a thorough cleaning after removing the debris. Another great tool for gutter cleaning is cultivators. These are particularly useful for people who live in single-story homes as they reach up to six feet and are effective for removing leaves from gutters.

  1. Blow Them Away

You may already be familiar with leaf blowers. They are great tools for collecting leaves in the garden. Have you ever considered using your leaf blower to clear the leaves out of your gutter? If you haven’t, then you should. There is a trick to it of course; you have to extend the reach of the leaf blower beyond its typical length. You can find an attachment for doing just that at most local home centers. Or you can just get some basic plumbing supplies and put your own together. If you don’t have a leaf blower then you’d be surprised at what a vacuum can do if you turn suction tool into a blower. The downside of these approaches are that while the air could eliminate leaves and twigs, it isn’t able to get rid of any decomposing organic material or dirt that has gotten lodged in. Also keep in mind that you will generally need a ladder to access the gutters in a multi-story home. It can be dangerous for anyone to scale an extension ladder no matter who they are. Doing that while holding a leaf blower? Well, that’s just asking for trouble. So please don’t do it, for your own safety.

  1. Old Fashioned Climbing and Cleaning

If all else fails and you find there some backup or clog that could only be eliminated manually, then you should still be smart about it. The first thing to do is ensure that your ladder is safe and sturdy enough for you to climb properly. After climbing up and reaching the clog, you want to use a scoop or other household tool to increase your reach and clear out the clog. A really surprising tool that can help out a lot here is a simple spatula. Just make sure you clean it off before using it in the kitchen again!

Summary

Now you know all about cleaning gutters with all of the best gutter cleaning hacks around, what’s stopping you from making use of them? Your gutters, house foundation, landscaping, and even your health will thank you for keeping your gutters clean. It’s a surprisingly simple piece of home maintenance most people overlook. Don’t be one of those people!

Mold Allergy Symptoms- Top 7 Ways to Avoid Them in your Home


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It may seem like fighting mold allergy is a losing effort. Mold is just part of the natural environment after all. Even though you are unable to see mold spores, they are nevertheless moving through the air and may enter your nose – triggering mold allergy symptoms. While mold allergy can be an issue, the first steps towards fighting it is maintaining basic hygiene. Much like you can avoid sunburn by just staying out of the sun, you can manage allergies – including mold allergies – by taking good care of your house. Don’t overlook the power of simple housekeeping.

 

How Does Mold Cause Allergies?

Mold is a kind of fungus that grows in moist places. As mold is growing, it is unlikely to trigger any kind of allergy symptoms, unless you are touching or removing it. Problems arise on dry and windy days which is when mold will go into the protective part of its life-cycle. This will be when it releases its spores. These spores blow on the wind and may be inhaled, which causes allergy symptoms.

 

Of all the many different varieties of mold, around Reeve dozen of them are known to cause respiratory allergies. The allergic symptoms to mold can include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, postnasal drip, mucus buildup, and an itchy nose or eyes. If mold spores enter the lungs, then they may cause asthma.

 

If you yourself experience any of these allergic symptoms and answer what has caused them, then you can have an allergist perform a skin or blood test to discern if mold is responsible not.

 

Breathe Better by Reducing Mold

Given that mold requires moisture in order to grow, it is commonly found in leaves, grass, and on logs. It can grow indoors in any area that has poor ventilation and high levels of moisture. Here are seven tips on how to protect yourself against mold and mold allergy symptoms.

 

  1. Use a Dehumidifier

It seems obvious that the best way to prevent mold would be to reduce humidity levels inside your home. Reducing humidity to less than 45% – if not under 35% – helps to prevent the growth of mold. If you live in a particularly large home, then you should consider placing a dehumidifier in the basement. The basement is one of the coldest and moist as places in the home – and therefore a place where mold can grow easily. We recommend setting a dehumidifier up in such a way that it can drain automatically without the need to empty the reservoir, which is all too easy to forget to do. A full reservoir actually helps more to grow. You can set up a self-draining dehumidifier by attaching hosted a dehumidifier which allows it to empty into a water-collecting pump drain. That way it doesn’t matter even if you forget the dehumidifier is there needs to be emptied.

  1. Keep Your AC Running Smoothly

Another great way to keep moisture levels down indoors is to use your air-conditioner in the warmer months. An air-conditioner allows you to keep the house dry and reduce mold levels; assuming that your unit is kept in good condition and cleaned out regularly. That means setting time aside to regularly dust and eliminate dirt from within the air-conditioner. You also need to regularly change the filters and clean out the ducts to keep air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers running properly and working their best. That includes changing the AC filter in your car. We also recommend cleaning the ducts out in your home once a year as condensation can occur, and this leads to mold growing

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  1. Focus on Air Flow

Help the air flow through your home by using a clean exhaust fan in the bathroom when showering, and in the kitchen when cooking and washing dishes. Open the inner doors of your home to keep flowing through the house and prevent mold from growing.

 

  1. Scrub Mold Away

If you do happen to see more growing, then use a 10% bleach solution to scrub it away. Don’t forget to wear a protective facemask while doing this. If you have respiratory problems that will prevent you from using bleach, then use a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar. This will work fine to remove mold, but it may take some more elbow grease to get the job done.

 

  1. Keep Up with the Housekeeping

Fungi may grow on the soap film that is left on tile and grout. This is why you should clean the bathroom thoroughly once a month at the very least. Wipe down the rubber seal on your washing machine door and keep the lid open when it is not in use to Brent moisture from getting trapped inside. As far as to kitchen girls, mold may stick around on refrigerator door gaskets, garbage cans, and drip pans. Also keep in eye out for mold growth in pitchers and water bottles. Empty them out leave them to dry completely.

 

  1. Stay Indoors When Mold Counts Are High

If you don’t want to wear a dust mask outside, or find it too uncomfortable, and avoid going outside too much if the mold count is high. You can check out the website of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology to find out more about current levels of mold and pollen where you live. Mold allergy symptoms are generally at their worst spring and fall seasons and during dry and windy days.

 

  1. Shower after Spending Time outside

Mold spores are similar to pollen in that you should wash them away after coming inside from outdoor activities such as sports and gardening. This prevents the spores from being spread around the indoor environment.

 

It doesn’t matter whether you’re spending time indoors or outdoors, these steps can help to reduce your exposure to mold; and therefore the allergy symptoms it causes.

7 Simple Remedies to Get Rid of Dog Allergies

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. They certainly can be, but allergic reactions to dogs are hardly fun. While allergies can be treated with medication, these medications sometimes cause adverse side effects such as drowsiness.

The good news is that you can control your allergy symptoms using natural means.

Here are 7 simple remedies to get rid of dog allergies.

7 Simple remedies to get relief From Dog Allergies

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is slowly becoming more popular, and has never been more accessible. One of the best ways to start your day is with a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice. It can also be used alongside a neti pot to flush your sinuses and eliminate any dog dander stuck where it shouldn’t be.

2. Quercetin

Quercetin can be found naturally in plant foods including cruciferous vegetables, onions, citrus fruits, and green tea. It is a natural bioflavonoid that stabilises histamine secretion and helps the body to natural control allergic reactions. Studies have shown that it calms down the hyperactivity of airways, which is one reason it is so effective. It’s recommended to use quercetin over the long term as it can take a few months for it to work properly.

3. Neti Pot

Neti pots provide natural relief for allergies by cleaning out the sinuses and eliminating congestion and allergens. Neti pots have been shown to improve the quality of life for people with respiratory illnesses with little to no side effects. This kind of “sinus irrigation” for removing allergens and other irritants was started hundreds of years ago as part of Ayurvedic traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries in India and has now made its way to the west. If using a neti pot, then be sure to use distilled and sterile water. Tap water can actually make your sinus problems worse because it has chlorine in it.

4. Stinging Nettle

The medicinal use of stinging nettle can be traced all the way back to Medieval Europe, where it was used to relieve fluid retention and joint pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that stinging nettle can be used to treat a variety of health problems including allergies. Stinging nettle has been shown to naturally control histamines. It can be taken as a tincture or in tea form.

5. Eucalyptus Oil and Frankincense Oil

Essential oils have been shown to work well for allergies, including pet allergies. They work by detoxifying microorganisms and other thing that can trigger allergic reactions, as well as reducing inflammation. Eucalyptus oil and frankincense oil are two of the most potent essential oils for allergy relief.

There are a few different ways you can use eucalyptus oil, including mixing it into a neti pot, inhaling it through a diffuser, and using it as part of your laundry detergent. Just add 25 drops of the oil to your wash to clear away pet dander from clothes. Frankincense oil can be used in much the same way. Just diffuse it into your home and office for about three hours each day or apply it directly to your chest and behind your ears.

6. Probiotics

The link between having a healthy gut and having a powerful immune system is becoming more recognized. After all, over 80% of your immune function is stored in the gastrointestinal tract. This basically means that you can help to reduce allergy symptoms by taking probiotics. Probiotics, as the name suggests, are friendly bacteria that live in your gut and defend against viruses, infections, allergies, and more.

They are so potent that studies have suggested when a pregnant woman takes probiotics regularly it reduces the chances of their children having allergies. Soil based probiotics are the best and they can be found in supplement form or obtained through your diet. Check out the organic vegetables at your local farmer’s market or consider growing your own.

7. Air Purifiers

Air purifiers can be more effective than you’d think at preventing pet allergies. Most people assume that pet allergies are caused by fur, but that isn’t the case. They’re actually caused by pet dander; a tiny substance that sticks to their skin and fur and gets everywhere, including the air. A HEPA air filter can help to relieve pet allergies by eliminating dander in the air. You’ll still have to keep your furniture clean yourself, but at least you won’t have to worry about the air.


The good news for dog allergy sufferers is that there are a lot of things you can try that don’t involve just getting rid of your dog.

 That kind of thing is much easier said than done. Give our natural remedies a try and see what they can do for you. There are lots of options out there, so even if one of these solutions doesn’t work, there’s bound to be one that will.

Seasonal Allergies – 5 Simple Remedies To Get Relief Now

The weather is getting warmer, and with it comes a higher pollen count. That may leave you with a runny nose, itchy eyes, and that annoying sensation of not being able to sneeze no matter how much you want to. One of the most common home remedies for seasonal allergies is local honey. The idea is to build up immunity before symptoms hit. It can work, but it’s far from the only solution. Here are 5 simple remedies to help you get relief from seasonal allergies.

seasonal allergy remedies

Nettle-Peppermint Tea

Nettles have a bad reputation, but they are one of the best herbs you could have in your repertoire. They can be used or everything from arthritis and lowering blood pressure to easing seasonal allergies. Peppermint itself has a kind of flavonoid called luteolin-7-O rutinoside, which helps to prevent anti-inflammatory enzymes such as histamines from being reduced. Peppermint also helps to reduce the effects of these enzymes to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. Just put the peppermint and nettle together in a mug and pour in boiling water. Steep the mixture for around 15 minutes, add some honey for taste, and drink twice a day as needed to get allergy relief.

Bee Pollen

If you aren’t getting the relief you need from local honey, then you should try bee pollen. The concept behind the two is pretty similar; start taking small amounts and gradually increase the dosage to build up your immunity to the local pollen around you. This follows what is known as the “hygiene hypothesis”, where being exposed to germs and bacteria as a child leads to immunity against them in later life. Expose yourself to allergens before allergy season begins to ensure your system isn’t hit as hard when there’s more pollen in the air. It’s important that you make sure you aren’t allergic to bees or anaphylactic, and that you don’t have an allergic reaction to pollen. It’s important that you use local pollen. This remedy only works if you’re using local pollen. It should come from a good, organic source. Start taking pollen around five months before the allergy season begins. Start out with a small dose and gradually increase the dose. Decrease the dose if you start developing allergic reactions, and continue taking a small dose during the allergy season itself.

Citrus Drinks

Given that allergies tend to peak during the spring and summer, they coincide with the warm and sunny weather that you enjoy by spending time outdoors. While tea is healing, there are times when you just want a cool and refreshing drink. This great citrus drink is packed full of vitamin C, which helps to relieve seasonal allergies as it nourishes the immune system. Given that allergies leave the immune system in trouble, it’s easy to understand why a citrus drink like this is a great idea. You’ll need 2 oranges, half a lemon, and a tablespoon of raw, organic local honey. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon and oranges and leave them to chill for a few hours before stirring in the honey, adding ice, and enjoying on a daily basis.

Red Onion Water

Onions are filled with quercetin, a water soluble compound that has been shown to reduce the amount of histamine the human body produces. Effectively, it reduces allergy symptoms. Think of it as a natural anti-histamine. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit inflammation and work as a bronchodilator; that is to say that it opens up the airways and makes it easier to breathe. For this you’re going to need 1 red onion, 4 cups of water, and some organic raw honey to taste. Slice the onion as thinly as you can and add it to the water. Leave it to infuse for up to 12 hours before drinking it once or twice a day. It will keep in a fridge for up to 4 days, so don’t be afraid to make a lot in advance. Add some honey into an individual glass when drinking it to add some taste if you want.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are a great way to keep seasonal allergies at bay, but not just any air purifier will do. You need to avoid using an ionic air purifier, because they generate ozone; a toxic substance. You need a HEPA-certified air filter. HEPA stands for “High-effective particulate air”, and an air filter needs to remove 99.7% of particles in air over 0.3 micrometers in order to meet this lofty standard.

HEPA filters are ideal for people with mild and moderate allergies that want some respite, but keep in mind that they only protect you while you’re indoors. If you have severe allergic reactions to airborne allergens and seasonal diseases, then you might want to invest in a bigger and more powerful PECO filter. A PECO filter – which stands for photoelectrochemical oxidation – works on the molecular level to destroy airborne irritants and pollutants. It can take out some of the things that a HEPA filter may miss. It’s beneficial for those who need immediate relief from severe allergies. Don’t forget to replace the filter in an air purifier every so often!

Summary

There are lots of things you can do in your home to reduce the impact of seasonal allergies. It’s tempting to open up the window to let in the cool breeze, but remember this will also let in allergens. It’s better to keep the windows closed and rely on the AC. Try some of these natural remedies and invest in a good HEPA filter to keep your nose clean this allergy season.

Quit Smoking – 7 Real Things You Can Do Now

 

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Tobacco cravings are very real for most smokers and they can be hard to resist, particularly when you’re trying to quit smoking.

Don’t forget that you aren’t at their mercy though.

Quitting is possible and something that you can do.

When you get the urge to smoke, remember that the feeling will likely pass within 10 minutes or so whether you smoke that cigarette, chew tobacco gum, or do nothing at all.

Every time you resist the urge to smoke a cigarette, you take one step closer to being smoke free for good. Here are seven real things you can do now to quit smoking.

  1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapy. This includes things like nicotine sprays and inhalers, patches and gum, and prescription medications designed to help users to quit smoking such as Chantix and Zyban.

Short-acting replacement therapies such as gum, lozenges, and inhalers can help you overcome an intense craving. They are generally safe to use alongside nicotine patches and other non-nicotine medications.

There’s been a lot of focus on electronic cigarettes lately. The only problem with them is we don’t know for sure if they really work as effective stop-smoking solutions. Further study is needed to assess their safety and success.

  1. Be Honest About Why you Like Smoking and Why it Will be Hard to Quit

Get a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle of it. Write down everything that you like about smoking on one side, and all the things you don’t like on the other.

This includes things like how it affects your health and gets in the way of time with friends and family. If you are feeling brave then you can get some feedback from your family about the things they don’t like about you using cigarettes.

Change the list over time, and accept that you’re ready for the change when the negatives outweigh the positives.

Smoking is never easy though, and you need to be honest about this too. Make a separate list of all the reasons that you know quitting isn’t easy. Also list some options for overcoming these problems.

If you write that it will be tough because of the addictive nature of nicotine, then you could also write down that you can try a nicotine replacement.

If you know it will be tough to quit because smoking helps you deal with stress, then jot down how you can go for a short walk or do something else to manage stress.

The point is to be honest about the difficulties of quitting while also giving yourself an opportunity to overcome those difficulties.

  1. Avoid Triggers

The urge to smoke is likely going to be at its worst when you are in situations you normally smoke or chew tobacco, such as at a party or a bar, when sipping coffee, and when feeling stressed out.

Identify what triggers your urge to have tobacco and come up with a plan to either get through them without the need for tobacco or avoid them altogether.

You should never set yourself up to fail or relapse. If you are someone who smokes while talking on the phone for example, then have some paper and a pencil on hand so that you can doodle while using the phone instead. Just come up with something you can do to get you through it.

Don’t forget that smoking can damage your furniture and the smell of tobacco can linger in the air and on furniture even after you quit. That’s bound to be a trigger. So consider picking up an air purifier and having furniture deep cleaned.

  1. Stay Active

You may find that you’ve got lots of pent up energy when you’re trying to quit and stay tobacco-free.

If you’re looking for something you can do other than smoke, then think about different ways to be productive and get active, or consider getting a brand new hobby.

Do some work on the house or yard, do some cleaning and organizing in your closets or a room in the house. Pick up a new hobby or sport that you’re interested in.

Not only will these help you avoid smoking, but you can also prevent the weight gain that sometimes comes with quitting smoking.

It’s best to find activities that are cheap or just free. Rent out a DVD on yoga, tai chi, or aerobics.

Take a walk through the park, a mall, or just around the neighborhood.

These are all great ways to get on your feet and be active. You’ll soon notice that these activities get easier the more you do them, and that you can breathe a whole lot easier as you continue to avoid smoking.

  1. Get Help From Friends and Family

Touching base with friends, family members, and support groups is a great way to quit smoking. They can really help you to resist those cravings for tobacco.

Pick up the phone for a chat, invite them on a walk, have some fun together, or just commiserate with them about the difficulties of quitting. This is where support groups in particular help. These are people that know what you’re going through and they can really help.

  1. Reach out Online for Help

If you don’t have any stop smoking groups in your area, or feel that you need an extra helping hand, then there are a number of online stop-smoking programs you can join.

There’s also other help online, such as blogs written by other people that have quit who want to offer their encouragement and support to others who are struggling to deal with their tobacco cravings.

Learn more about how others quit, and how you can emulate their success.

  1. Remind Yourself of the Benefits of Quitting

Write down and say out loud the reasons that you are quitting and the benefits of quitting. This includes things like feeling better in yourself, being healthier, sparing loved ones from second hand smoke, and saving money.

Summary

Keep in mind that trying to do something to beat the urge is better than doing nothing. It’s certainly better than giving in. Every time you resist the urge to smoke tobacco, you do get closer to giving up for good.