Make it dramatic. Toss all your ashtrays and lighters while you're at it. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Leave no
reminders. Even that pack you have stashed away "just in case." The new non-smoking you won't need it.
Look for new things you can hold in your hands to replace a cigarette. Buy that expensive ink pen
you always wanted. Get a stress ball. Learn to play the guitar. Whatever works. Boredom is one of the
top reasons people smoke. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:
- Bend paper clips or straws
- Needlepoint
- Learn an instrument
- Woodworking
- Write a screenplay
- Gardening
- Manicure kit
- Painting
- Playing cards
Break your day into manageable chunks of time. Say "Right now, for the next 2 hours, I will not smoke."
Like they say, divide and conquer!
Strong cravings to smoke usually come in waves, but pass. Realizing they won't last forever builds confidence.
Once the physical nicotine addiction ends, it gets easier.
Write down a list of rewards like taking a short walk at work, buying or downloading a new CD, calling a friend,
buying a magazine. Be sure to celebrate each milestone in your journey. As long as you stay in the quitting game,
you're a winner.
Do something nice for yourself every day. See a movie. Visit a museum. Take a long lunch. You need all the "me time"
you can get.
Enjoy the way your teeth look and your breath smells once you're smoke free.
Make an appointment for a massage. Sign up for an exercise class. Take a mental break from your day. Go on vacation.
Do whatever it takes to relax and focus on the future. Keep telling yourself you will succeed!
Water helps you flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your body more quickly. By keeping yourself hydrated,
you'll feel better overall.
More about conquering cravings.
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