Coping with quitting smoking

Coping with quitting

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Stress can effect smoking habits. Learning how to manage your stress can help you stop smoking. Plan to manage your stress in healthy ways like being active, being outdoors, or start a new hobby.

How to Cope with Cravings

Cravings are the most frequent and troubling side effect reported by people who are trying to quit smoking. A craving is the feeling when the urge to have a cigarette is not satisfied. When experiencing a craving, remember that it will pass. As you get further from your quit day, your cravings and the need to smoke will lessen.

Here are some tips on how to cope with cravings:

Remember the 4 Ds

Deep Breathing

Take a few deep breaths; imagine clean air entering your lungs as you inhale.

Delay

Self-talk may help; remind yourself the craving will pass.
Put yourself in a smoke free environment; spend time with friends who do not smoke, go to a movie.

Drink Water

Water will help to cope with many of the withdrawal symptoms.

Do Something Else

Distract yourself from smoking.
Do something physical such as going for a walk, bike ride, stretch, or take a shower.
Have a healthy snack such as vegetables or fruit.
Chew gum.
Use a substitute to keep your hands busy (e.g. toothpicks, pencil, rubber bands).

Triggers

When thinking about a smoke free life, you could probably imagine certain situations, feelings, and people that trigger you to smoke. Some triggers can be avoided. Some are difficult or impossible to avoid. It is helpful to plan how you can deal with difficult triggers. Think about triggers you have and what alternative behaviours you can use.

Trigger: TV