When you feel the urge to smoke, keep in mind that it will probably pass in the next few minutes. Each time you resist a craving, you get one step closer to quitting smoking for good.
Here are some tips to help you resist tobacco cravings.
Find a good reason
To successfully quit smoking, you need a powerful personal reason to go down this path.
It can be personal, like improving health or reducing your risk of getting diseases like lung cancer, heart disease or other conditions; or protect your family from passive smoke or save money. You must choose the reason carefully so that it is strong enough to overcome the urge to use tobacco.
Avoid triggers
Events like parties, bars or occasions are where you can develop this craving.
Keep an eye on your triggers and plan accordingly to avoid them or control the urge in those spots.
For example, if you discover that you usually smoke while talking on the phone, keep a pen and paper nearby so you can doodle rather than smoke.
Prepare for withdrawal symptoms
Smoking is a strong addiction. Your brain and your body are addicted to nicotine. Without it, you will go through withdrawal. So you need to plan this well in advance.
Seek professional help from a counselor or doctor on any methods that will help you overcome these withdrawal symptoms
Try Nicotine Replacement Therapy
When trying to quit smoking, you may experience headaches, mood swings, or lethargy. Nicotine replacement therapy can curb all of these cravings. There are several options for taking nicotine replacement therapy. These include nicotine gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, inhalers and patches.
Adopt a good physical activity
Indulging in physical activities like walking, jogging, or swimming can help distract you from cravings.
Even short activities like going up and down the stairs a few times can also help you overcome the urge. Deep breathing, deep knee bends, push-ups, etc. can also help. If you don’t like physical activity, you can also try prayer or doing household chores like cleaning, gardening, or journaling.
You can also try relaxing activities like deep breathing, meditation, muscle relaxation, yoga, visualization, massage, or listening to soothing music.
Ask your friends and family for help
Tell your friends, family and loved ones that you are trying to quit smoking. They can encourage you to keep going, especially when you’re tempted to turn on. You can also join a support group or take help from a counselor. Join an online quit smoking program. Or read a quitter’s blog and post encouraging thoughts for someone else who might be struggling with cravings. Learn from how others have dealt with their cravings.
Eat fruits and vegetables
Don’t try to diet while you’re trying to quit smoking. This can put extra strain on your body and can backfire. Try to keep your routine simple, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein, which are good for your body.