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10 Educational Cartoons Your Child Should Be Watching
When the discussion revolves around children watching cartoon TV shows, it is always understood to be a sheer wastage of time. It is difficult to believe that their downtime does boost their learning and increase their IQ level. All kids love to watch cartoons, and it is one of the biggest concerns that today’s parents have. But let all parents be assured that there are some incredible cartoon shows which enhance learning and make their screen time worthwhile. There are children’s cartoon shows which strengthen their basic learning, be it science, maths, general awareness or language building. Some shows focus on enhancing values and life skills so that the child is able to steer through safely through life.
10 Best Educational Cartoon Shows for Kids
Kids immensely love watching cartoon shows based on values like friendship and sharing. They are most impressed watching some conflict, any antagonist and otherworldly characters like aliens, superheroes and mystic dragons. Some educational animated shows can be great entertainment time for the whole family. Some animated shows take children out of the confines of the classroom and teach them at a time when they are relaxed and so are able to absorb the desired knowledge. Some children have even proved to perform better by gaining ample knowledge and have developed sensitivity towards others by imbibing the values and morals imparted by TV shows. A list of educational cartoon TV shows is being listed here for you to make use of them whenever.
1. Dora and Friends: Into The City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kezjyL_yMe8&w=756&h=425
Dora and Friends: Into the City is a popular series where the adopted theme revolves around problem-solving, community service and friendship. Dora and her friends are portrayed as hardworking and ideal role models whose urge is to transform their hometown to a better place by trying desperately in their own small way. Kids relate to it better as Dora is shown in her school-age years and children love to emulate her in their real life.
2. Elena of Avalor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=objw6knfIJI&w=759&h=425
The value of friends and family is highlighted in these stories. The ideal role model is Latina who is depicted in the stories as kind and feisty who upholds the value of both friends and family. When the kids watch Elena go off on her adventures, they infer the values of honesty and kindness and learn them passively. The children learn a lot about Latin culture through the dances and the songs they watch and also about the Spanish language.
Ultimately it helps in expanding the concept of diversity in young minds.
3. Arthur
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zkX6kfnWbk&w=567&h=425
The show Arthur is appropriate for kids who are above five years of age to understand sibling arguments which are presented in a light way. It is a fun-filled and the charming cartoon which shows how social situations are tackled. It imparts a lot of education when kids see navigating friendships and how he overcomes fears. It is also learning when the titular character, Arthur, speaks about his anxieties openly and finds out creative ways to solve his problems remaining determined all along.
4. Nutri Ventures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjTz3q_xnMk&w=756&h=425
Another very popular series of animated stories is Nutri Ventures which emphasises on good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Children understand the significance of good health and a love for good food. At a very early age, kids can be taught how to avoid fast food and junk food which reigns supreme in kids’ preference option and to prefer healthy food over it. Health and nutrition awareness helps the child grow in the most disciplined way.
5. Sid the Science Kid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI8Xv7y35Yw&w=756&h=425
Kids as young as four years old find it very fascinating discovering and learning about the world around them. The animated series, Sid the Science Kid is recommended for that age group to arouse curiosity and wonder in them. This urge and curiosity further changes to their love for science in their later age. The humour and music which heightens the impact, make the child inquisitive, thereby making them think while having fun. It hones their creativity too. So the time spent on watching it is finally a win-win.
6. Word Girl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6sB3Uau1aE&w=756&h=425
The animated series is so created that they cater to strengthening different subjects. The Word Girl enhances the vocabulary of the kids. The heroine is able to outsmart the villain with the power of her vocabulary and thus saves the day. The series not only helps in widening the horizon but also helps kids to pronounce words correctly which is so helpful at this stage. Parents like and allow their children to watch the show like it in a way improves the speaking skill of their babies.
7. Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXXQTBYbRQ0&w=756&h=425
Children love to learn in a fun and gentle manner. An important life skill that children ought to know is to handle their emotions. According to their age, kids should know how to embrace their emotions and deal with social strategies. This life skill, if learnt in a fun and joyful way will help in strengthening their bonds with family and friends and maintain a balance. Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood also belongs to the same category of shows.
8. Mister Roger’s Neighbourhood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eInUUfyqa5o&w=756&h=425
It is a well-loved classic tale. The show teaches the children to manifold values and skills required in modern times. It teaches them social skills which we need to exercise on a daily basis. This leads to finer values as social responsibility and self - respect. It opens avenues for children to empower their imagination by music and make – belief situations. The tales teach children the higher values of overcoming fear, friendship and honesty and complex feelings on losing a loved one.
9. Sesame Street
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrsIX-OajaY&w=567&h=425
It is one of the shows which have depicted memorable characters and unforgettable episodes. Generations of children have grown up watching, enjoying and learning simultaneously. Children for ages have made their vocabulary extensive and have turned into voracious readers. Moreover, they scored higher grades in science too. Their creativity was also sparked by watching this children’s show.
10. Blaze and the Monster Machines
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swIlpuaBobU&w=756&h=425
This is a kid’s cartoon which reveals a story of nine friendly trucks which are gifted with varied abilities. Each episode is truly educational, interactive and the learning thus acquired gets deeply embedded in the mind. The show teaches everything worthwhile as the children learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). It is an American English Cartoon
Many parents call the TV set as ‘idiot box’ not realizing that there are some cartoon and kid shows which hone the innate faculties of the children and keep them abreast with their times. Good cartoons for kids are abundant which if viewed with the right perspective can improve the reasoning faculties of a child. The parents with a conservative approach feel that playing outside, reading, solving a jigsaw puzzle, creating artistic things are the only productive activities. Parents should decide and take a pick of their classical and hidden gems and watch some interactive, sing-along musical TV shows to give the children some learning while entertaining them.
Also Read:
Best Educational Movies All Kids Should Watch
Positive and Negative Effects of Cartoon on Children
How to Choose Best Movies for Kids to Watch Read more
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8 Healthy Poha Recipes for Babies and Kids
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to create some quick and delicious recipes for your child whether you are at home or on a vacation? Poha or flattened rice provides an easy option to do so in real quick time as there are many poha recipes for children that one can use.
Health Benefits of Poha for a Child
Poha is packed with loads of nutrients, making it a healthy and tasty snack for babies, toddlers and growing children. These rice flakes for children are light on the stomach and when served in small quantities, it can provide the following health benefits:
1. Poha is Easily Digestible
One of the best benefits of giving poha to your child is that it can be easily digested by their little tummies. Quick and easy digestion means that your baby doesn’t get a bloated feeling and remains energetic too.
2. Poha is Iron-Rich
Poha is full of iron and when given to your baby regularly, it can keep iron deficiency or anaemia at bay. It helps in maintaining the right haemoglobin levels in the body too.
3. Poha is Rich in Carbohydrates
You can make poha your child’s primary source of carbohydrates by including it in your child’s diet. It proves to be a tasty and healthier snack option than others and is fibre-rich too. Mothers can depend on it as a wholesome meal option for babies.
4. Poha is Nutrient-Rich
While poha has many nutrients in it, when it is garnished with peanuts and sprouts, it becomes a tasty snack your child will relish. It can be a great breakfast or after-school snack.
5. Poha is Low on Gluten
Since poha has low quantities of gluten, your child is less likely to develop any kind of food allergy.
Poha Recipes for Infants
If you are looking for a quick and tasty poha recipe for 1-year baby, then read ahead to serve this delicacy to your little one:
1. Spinach Poha
This healthy and nutrition-rich snack is great for babies and is extremely travel-friendly too.
What You Need
10 -15 Spinach leaves
2 tbsp thin Poha
1 tsp Ghee
a pinch of Cumin seeds
a pinch of Turmeric
Little Asafoetida
How to Make
Wash poha and soak it in water to soften it.
Heat a non-stick pan and add 1 tsp ghee to it.
As the pan starts heating up, sprinkle a pinch of cumin seeds, mix it and then add chopped and washed spinach leaves.
Let the mix cook well and then add a pinch of turmeric and asafoetida.
Now add poha to this and let it cook with the lid closed.
Stir well and serve while it is warm.
2. Poha Kheer
This nutritious and tasty poha kheer for babies kheer is an ideal food for your infant. Treat your baby to this sweet delicacy and watch it gurgle for more.
What You Need
2 tbsp thin Poha (beaten rice)
2 seedless Dates
½ cup milk
How to Make
Wash the poha, drain the water and let it soak in the residual water.
Chop the dates into fine shreds.
Add ½ cup of water to a heated pan and mix the shredded dates to it.
Stir it till the dates blend with the water.
Add poha to it and mix it well.
Pour ½ cup of milk to the mix and turn off the gas.
Mix it well, cool it and then serve to your baby.
3. Poha Oats Porridge
Poha porridge for babies is an easy-to-digest snack that mothers can make. Adding oats to it makes it a healthy and filling cereal that babies will relish.
What You Need
2 tbsp of Poha Oats Cereal mix
¾ cup of water
Ghee ½ tsp
1 tbsp of Palm Jaggery Dates syrup (optional)
How to Make
Take 2 tbsp of poha oats cereal in a pan, add ¾ cup of water to it and stir well to prevent lumps.
Cook the porridge till it thickens well and then add ghee and the syrup to it for taste.
Cook this for a couple of minutes, let it cool a bit and then serve.
4. Dahi Poha
This versatile dish can be prepared in short time whenever your baby demands food. It is also known as Gopalkala or dahi chire.
What You Need
2 tbsp thin Poha
1 small bowl of Curd
Jaggery
Fruits (optional)
How to Make
Wash the poha well and soak it for some time.
Take a bowl of fresh curd and add 2 tbsp of poha to it.
You can also add jaggery for taste and fruits like a mashed banana will make it a nutritious item for your little one.
Poha Recipes for Toddlers and Kids
Toddlers and kids need nutritious and tasty food when they are at home or in the school. There is a lot of physical and mental exertion during this time and poha can prove to be a wonderful snack that will fill their tiny tummies. Check the following recipes to help you provide good nutrition to your child during his growing years.
1. Healthy Poha
This is the best snack to give your child as a school snack or an after-school snack too. Yummy and healthy, it makes a wonderful combination for kids.
What You Need
1 cup Poha
1 medium sized Onion chopped
1 tbsp roasted Peanuts
1 tsp Lemon juice
1 tbsp roasted Oats
Green chillies, chopped
1 tsp Turmeric & Mustard seeds
2 tbsp oil
Salt
Coriander, chopped
Curry leaves
How to Make
Wash poha and let it soak.
Take a saucepan and heat it before adding oil.
Add the roasted peanuts first and keep them out.
To the heated oil, add mustard leaves, curry leaves and green chillies.
Fry some onions for a few minutes in the same pan.
Add peanuts, oats, salt, lemon juice and turmeric powder to it.
Then add poha and oats to this and mix well.
Cook it properly and serve hot.
2. Jaggery Poha
This can be served to kids as a breakfast or an early evening snack.
What You Need
½ cup Poha
½ cup Jaggery
1 tsp Ghee
Cashew
Coconut
How to Make
Soak poha in water till it becomes soft.
Make jaggery syrup in a hot pan by adding water and jaggery.
Use a strainer to strain the syrup of any impurities.
Add poha and the syrup to the pan and mix well.
Add ghee and chopped cashews/grated coconut (optional) and stir well till it mixes and then turn off the heat.
3. Poha Upma
If you want to make a different evening snack or a breakfast item for your toddler, nothing quite beats the Poha Upma.
What You Need
2 cups Poha
½ tsp Turmeric powder
2 tsp Lemon juice
2 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1 tsp Urad dal
Asafoetida
1 chopped finely Onion
Green Chillies - 2 chopped finely
Carrot
Ginger
Beans
Potato-chopped finely
Water - ¾ cup
How to Make
Take poha, add water and squeeze out the water.
Heat oil or ghee in a pan, add mustard, urad dal and asafoetida.
Add ½ tsp turmeric, salt and lemon juice.
Add in onions, green chillies, ginger and saute for a min.
Add in salt and turmeric and mix well.
Add water, cover and cook.
Add poha and cook.
Serve hot.
4. Sweet Potato Poha
This healthy snack can be made in a jiffy during the morning rush to school or when your little one is hungry after school too.
What You Need
1 cup Poha
1 medium sized Sweet Potato
1 small Onion
Green chillies
Turmeric powder
Coriander leaves
1 tsp Lemon juice
Oil
Water
Salt
How to Make
Cut sweet potato into tiny cubes and chop the onion, green chillies and coriander.
Soak poha in water till soft.
Fry onions and green chillies and saute the cumin seeds in oil.
Add the sweet potato and poha, sprinkle salt over it and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Sprinkle lemon juice and serve hot.
With such an amazing range of recipes to be made from poha, you can already see your worries flying out the window, when it comes to feeding your kids. Healthy, tasty and quick poha recipes are ready to be tried out right now.
Also Read: Easy and Instant Porridge Recipes for Your Baby Read more
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to give children when starting solids?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. After completing the time of six months you should start with dal water and rice water followed by all kind of fruits and vegetables porridge khichadi mash banana mash potato mash sweet potato dairy products and varieties made made out of ragi Suji and oats can also be given to your child
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Sleep Problem - Snoring During Pregnancy
Snoring during pregnancy can be quite embarrassing. But don’t you worry as it’s quite normal and almost 1/4th of women experience it. It usually begins in the third trimester and goes away after you deliver. It also signifies a medical condition hence discuss with your gynaecologist during your next visit.
Common Causes Of Snoring During Pregnancy
Have you ever wondered why pregnant women snore? Following are some of the common causes of snoring during pregnancy:
Nasal congestion:
During pregnancy, the blood in your body increases and hence the blood vessels become thicker. These swollen blood vessels block your nasal passage making breathing difficult, leading to snoring.
High level of estrogen also causes swelling of the mucous membrane in your nose leading to nasal congestion and snoring.
The other common causes can be nasal congestion due to a cold, flu or allergy.
Increase In Weight:
The heavier you become, the more difficulty you will find to breathe because when you gain excess weight some extra fat adds-on in your neck and throat regions. This excessive weight can cause breathing problems.
Sleep Apnea:
Obstructive sleep apnea can be another reason for snoring. This is a medical condition and needs treatment so do not forget to mention it on your next prenatal visit. This can be diagnosed if you are snoring loudly and frequently. Sometimes you can be making snorting or gasping sounds in your sleep. Sleep apnea needs treatment because, in this condition, your airways get blocked causing you to stop breathing during sleep (sometimes it could be a hundred times). This could affect the baby too as it can cause oxygen deprivation in your body and for the baby. This condition is usually treated with the help of a machine attached to your nose while sleeping.
Risk Associated With Snoring When Pregnant
Snoring during pregnancy can be quite risky for the baby. University of Michigan’s sleep study centre revealed that snoring mothers have a higher risk of delivering smaller babies and are also likely to have a C-section delivery. If you notice that you are snoring more than three times a week, you need to consult the doctor for medical intervention.
Most chronic snoring mothers are most likely to deliver a baby in the tenth percentile of weight. This shows that it does not matter if you were snoring before or after pregnancy. However, if you are frequently snoring and gasping for breath in your sleep, you must see a doctor. This could be harmful to the baby. The swelling of the blood vessels due to weight gain in pregnancy can also restrict blood flow to the placenta, which in turn will affect the growth of your baby because nutrients and blood will not reach the baby in proper quantity. There is no need to panic as it is completely manageable.
Pregnancy snoring can also be an indication of gestational diabetes. You might want to take a glucose tolerance test to rule out this possibility.
Another risk could be an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) leading to smaller babies with developmental delays. This can be managed with regular ultrasound screening.
Snoring can also lead to preeclampsia, which is a serious issue leading to premature birth and sometimes can be fatal too.
Remedies for Snoring in Pregnancy
How to stop snoring? There are some simple remedies that are available to manage snoring.
Following are some remedies that you can try:
Nasal Strips:
Nasal strips for snoring during pregnancy are easily available in pharmacies and easy to use too. They are drug-free to and hence safe to use in pregnancy. You have to just stick it on your nose before going to bed.
Humidifier:
If the snoring is due to nasal congestion, then use a warm mist humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep to get some relief. Humidifiers are readily available on any online shopping sites. They come with variations depending on the number of hours. Try and choose anything that has 8 hours or more so that you can have a good night’s sleep.
Sleep On Your Side:
This is something that you will already be doing as sleeping straight is not possible during pregnancy, but remember to lie on your left side for better blood circulation and better sleep too.
Head Elevation:
If you are sleeping with your head on the bed, then try using two pillows instead of one and keep your head elevated to help free airflow through our nose. This will ease your breathing and reduce your snoring.
Eat Right:
Weight gain during pregnancy is common, but you have to monitor and do not gain a lot of weight as it is difficult to shed those extra kilos post pregnancy. Excess weight gain causes snoring hence eat right and stay healthy.
Ear Plugs:
Ear plugs for your partner can be useful as he could be sleep deprived because of your snoring. Sleep deprivation can be very difficult for husbands, too.
Sleeping Couch:
It is a good idea to ask your husband to sleep on a couch outside the bedroom or shift to another room. It can be quite irritating to be sleep deprived.
Avoid Alcohol, Smoking And Sleeping Pills
A big ‘NO’ to alcohol, smoking and sleeping pills during pregnancy. These are good if completely avoided during pregnancy as they not only cause snoring but also harm the baby.
When to Consult a Doctor
Although snoring seems to be a harmless problem, during pregnancy, it can indicate serious complications. If you notice the following symptoms, you need to visit the emergency room(ER) of a hospital:
Persistent headaches
Very sleepy during the daytime
Swelling in the legs
The symptoms mentioned above are signs of preeclampsia, which is a serious concern. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will be delivered immediately. These mentioned symptoms might just be suggestive of preeclampsia, but it is always better to be safe than sorry, so visit the ER as soon as possible. The only way to save the baby in case of preeclampsia is to deliver the baby at whatever number of weeks it is in and give it a chance to survive.
Any persistent and unusual symptoms that you notice during pregnancy can be very significant. Therefore you need to mention it to the gynaecologist during your prenatal visits, snoring too can seem very trivial but it sure is a cause for concern.
Also Read: Pregnancy Pillow - Benefits, Types and How to Use Read more
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4 Effective Ways to Create Savings for Children
Making the conscious effort to save for your child’s future can be worrisome and requires consistent efforts. The question that pops up frequently is, "How to save money for kid’s future?" Taking help from family members who are good with finance is a great start too.
Want to secure your child's future and feel financially liberated? Well... we give a few smart options that will go a long way in sheltering you and your child for a rainy day. Involve yourself in fixing a long-term saving goal that is stable, viable, and benefitting. There are a few easy money saving tips that can help you get started in the right direction. Follow these, and fulfil your dreams of sending your child to the best college; give him a future that you'll be proud of, courtesy your efforts.
Money Saving Tips for Kids' Future
1. Get an Early Start
For any saving venture, the key is to start early. It ensures that your kid has enough when he's old enough for school and college. As soon as your child is born, start saving a small part of your earnings for him. Over the long haul, it will become a substantial investment. A little goes a really long way in this case. However, one does not really have to cut costs to save aggressively. It does not make much of an impact. Initially, saving just 10% of your earnings is good enough.
2. Consistent Savings
Before you start saving for your kid, choose a certain amount that you will be willing to put aside every month. Maybe after a year or two, try to increase the saving amount by a small percent and as per your capacity. This should really make a difference by the time your child is old enough to make use of it. Small increases in the amount of money you invest in a month will not take a major toll on your finances. You wouldn't even feel it. The amount, when increased slowly, will amount to something truly significant in the long haul.
3. Tax Saving Advantages:
If the money you are saving will be used for college or studies beyond that, one can make full use of funding avenues that come tax-free. Tax-free? Yes, you heard that right. Investing in savings bonds or opening an educational savings account will really be beneficial for your kid. However, the big catch is that these savings will and can only be used for educational purposes. But, they can be used for a number of academic courses, not restricted in any way. Since majority of courses cost a fortune in today's time, taking advantage of these options will hold you and your child in good stead. Make sure to consult a financial advisor before making any investment. It's a smart thing to do.
4. Teach your Kids a Lesson About Saving:
Bringing up your kids the hard way will instill in them a sense of responsibility and good values. If you hand everything to your child on a silver platter, chances are that he might not value everything that he gets. Even though you might have the resources to start a college fund for your kid, get them involved in the saving process for their future. Ask him to contribute as and when he can. Give him a piggy bank. When he gets involved in the process, he will learn to not just value money but also respect the benefits he will reap in the future.
These money saving tips for your kid's future should be implemented as soon as he takes his first step. With expenses growing by the day, it is imperative that the saving process begins, sustains, and remains consistent. Implement these saving tips, and give your child a financial shield that will safeguard him at all times. Read more
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Tips to Quit Smoking - Start with a New Life by Breaking This Bad Habit
Despite knowing all the negative and almost fatal effects that smoking has on health, many people choose to continue smoking until their 'don't-care' attitude lands them up in the hospital. You may be asking - is there really a way to learn to kick this habit for good?
Yes, but it takes some planning. Because without a plan, you won't have direction. And without direction, your ship won't be sailing towards a better life anytime soon. Here's what you need to know.
Why is it So Hard to Stop Smoking?
The main reason why it's hard to quit smoking is that it's not only a physiological habit but a psychological one too. When life gets in the way and we have problems, we sometimes don't get any outlets for coping or venting. This is when some people turn to cigarette smoking as a sort of emotional support. Unfortunately, although it does give us some relief from depression and anxiety for a little while, it doesn't fix our problems. It provides a temporary escape, and in life, if you want to fix something, you have to face it head on and tackle it, instead of avoiding the challenge. The emotional component of being attached to smoking is what makes it hard to learn how to stop smoking immediately and that's the biggest hurdle most people face.
Easy Ways to Quit Smoking and Kick Your Cigarette
If you're wondering 'how can I quit smoking?', the answer is - it starts with a game plan. Here’s how you can start on your journey to a new life.
1. Decide on a Start Date
Everybody starts somewhere, right? So should you, but that doesn't mean after a few years or months. Set a realistic start date, like a few weeks tops, and prepare your mind to quit on that day.
You can also:
Tell your family, friends, and co-workers about it so that you don't cheat.
Stop hanging around friends and people who smoke near you.
Get substitutes like bubblegum, carrot sticks, candy, and straws.
Attend a support group for quitting smoking and attending therapy sessions.
Note down what didn't work for you the last time you tried to quit and any tactics you can try by journaling your previous quitting experiences.
Scientifically speaking, it won't make a difference if you taper down your nicotine use gradually until your start date and quit or you go cold turkey on that day and smoke before that as much as you want. But if there's one ground rule to this, it's this - no smoking from the very day you start.
Some additional tips on how to manage your withdrawal or coping symptoms when they appear are:
Make your life busy to the point where smoking doesn't cross your mind.
Exercise whenever you get cravings, go for a walk, or drink water in small sips.
Consume more fresh fruit juices and vegetable broths.
Avoid toxic/negative people or anything that makes you feel bad and causes the emotional trigger to smoke.
2. Consider Going for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Only 6% of smokers are usually able to quit abruptly without any support or therapies. This tiny margin should tell you that you don't want to gamble when you're quitting something bad. But Nicotine Replacement Therapy will improve your chances substantially and ensure you don't fall for any relapses.
Some of the NRT options you'll get from your doctor are:
NRT skin patches
Lozenges
Chewing gum
Nasal spray
Inhaler
For the nasal spray and inhaler, you'll need a prescription from your doctor but for the other options, you can get them from anywhere you like. Nicotine patches are good since they don't contain toxic chemicals and are available in low doses. The low doses make you wean off the habit gradually and also don't cause severe withdrawal symptoms, making it much easier to quit.
However, if you notice any symptoms such as an abnormal heartbeat, mouth ulcers, skin inflammation, weakness, nausea, and dizziness, visit your healthcare professional and get yourself checked up immediately.
3. Find New Ways of Coping
If you're serious about quitting, you'll do whatever it takes to get there. That means counselling, attending support group sessions, and even reading self-help materials.
Some of the popular ways of learning how to stop smoking naturally and managing your emotional symptoms are:
Signing up for a support group that gathers like-minded individuals like you who are trying to quit.
Booking a session with a qualified therapist and talking to them about your problems. A therapist may be able to give you insights into your psyche and about the way your subconscious mind works.
Getting an accountability partner both online and offline. This will make sure you don't cheat plus you'll get to support someone else too.
Developing healthier habits instead of smoking like new hobbies such as drawing, painting, coding, music, or anything else you've always wanted to do but haven't.
Reading self-help books that explain how your mind works and stories of people who have stopped smoking to motivate yourself to go the extra mile.
4. Try Non-nicotine Medications
Some options for non-nicotine medications available to you are:
Bupropion (Zyban)
Varenicline (Champix)
You won't be able to acquire these two drugs without a doctor's prescription. Bupropion acts on your neurotransmitters and reduces withdrawal symptoms when taken. It's usually administered for 12 weeks, and when the person manages to quit, then for another 3 to 6 months to make sure they don't relapse.
Varenicline reduces the pleasure or high you obtain from nicotine or your cigarettes. It acts on your pleasure centres in your brain but it's not foolproof though. You may experience depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive behaviour, and similar symptoms when you take it. That's because, just like how your pleasure from cigarettes will wean away, so will your pleasure for a few other things in life. Again, you'll have to take this for 12 weeks and if you manage to quit within that time period, then you'll have to continue taking it for another 3 to 6 months to prevent relapses.
5. Consider Alternative Therapies
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or the customized treatment plan designed by your healthcare professional may work but you can opt for other treatments too. If you're thinking of trying out alternative therapies, here are a few good options-
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Herbal supplements and Ayurvedic remedies
Tobacco sticks and strips
E-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes)
Filters
Cold Laser Therapy
Yoga
Mindfulness Therapy
Meditation
Art
What If You Slip or Relapse?
If you slip, you don't have to sweat it because it's a temporary setback. But that doesn't mean you should be going for multiple slips because that could eventually build up to a relapse. A relapse is basically when you go back to your old habit and continue it. If you follow your game plan to the letter and manage your symptoms in healthy ways, you won't find relapses happening but slips are a common part of quitting. That "one-puff" after many days of staying away from cigarettes isn't going to put you back to square one, but don't take your chances regardless of that.
Here are a few tips on how to prevent slips and relapses:
1. Quit Alcohol
Period. No negotiations at all. Alcohol will make the rewiring process a lot harder when you're quitting nicotine and acts as a trigger.
2. Start Journalling
Get a diary or a journal. Write down your thoughts. Write about how you feel and what thoughts cross your mind prior to the slip. How do you feel when you're about to lose it? Think of this activity as a form of brain-drain and a way to cope healthier. Another good exercise you can try whenever you feel bad or really negative is to take a piece of paper and write down all the terrible things you feel like screaming at someone. Crumple up that paper and throw it in the trash can. It's sort of like taking your negative emotions, crumpling them up, and throwing them away.
3. Call Up a Smoking Support Hotline
If there's nobody available to talk to you and you need immediate help, call up a smoking support hotline. Talk to a person who is available and just start interacting with them. Be honest, tell them how you feel, and calmly listen to what they have to say. Remember, these people are professionals at helping others and know a thing or two about giving you the helping hand you need to quit.
4. Focus on Your One Habit
Don't take on any other new habits when you're learning how to quit smoking. This is because quitting an old habit and creating new ones can test your willpower. Take things easy and make quitting smoking super easy by doing other things you like. Enjoy drawing, hanging out with people, playing games outside, and other healthier lifestyle activities that will reward you with good mental and physical health.
5. Get Back on Track
If you've already relapsed, don't lose your cool. Get back on the wagon as early as you can. It's still not too late. You still have a shot. Just note down what went wrong, talk to your healthcare professional and find out ways to prevent what you did from happening again. Everybody responds differently, don't forget that.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions which are answered below.
1. How to Prevent Weight Gain After Stopping Cigarette Smoking?
You might find yourself overeating once you quit smoking as another form of an emotional outlet. And the best way to prevent that or stop weight gain after quitting smoking is to just go out and exercise. Stock up on finger-foods and eat clean instead of the processed junk you get from fast-food stores. Have multiple but small-portion meals to avoid binge eating and keep your calories in check. And don't forget to drink water.
Quitting smoking will literally change your life. Once you get a taste of the benefits, you'll never feel like going back and that alone is worth it. But until then, hang on and work through the withdrawals till you get there. Don't give up.
Also Read:
Healthy and Natural Alternatives to Quit Smoking
Ways to Help Your Loved One Quit Smoking
What Happens When You Quit Smoking Suddenly Read more
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