For those who made a New Year Resolution to stop smoking, this is the week that the craving can be at its worst. But stick with it, here are some tips that may help you stay away from the nicotine!
Use Your Support Programme
If you decided to use a support programme, use it to its full extent. Go to the sessions. Call the telephone quit line.
Steer Clear of Temptation
- If you always smoke while driving, try listening to a new radio station. Take a different route or even different form of transport for a while.
- Stay away from things that you connect with smoking, such as watching your favourite TV show, sitting in your favourite chair or having a drink before dinner.
- Spend as much free time as you can where smoking is not allowed, such as shopping centres, libraries, museums, theatres, stores or church.
Spend as much free time as you can where smoking is not allowed, such as shopping centres, libraries, museums, theatres, stores or church.
Manage Your Cravings
- The urge to smoke will come and go. Try to wait it out. Consider starting some new habits to help control your urges.
- Keep other things in your mouth instead of cigarettes. Try carrots, pickles, sunflower seeds, apples, raisins or sugar-free chewing gum.
- Try a change of scenery, such as going outside or go to a different room.
- Keep your hands busy with crossword puzzles, needlework, painting, wood-working, gardening or household chores
Remember the Rewards
- Your body begins to heal 20 minutes after your last cigarette – poisonous gases and nicotine start to leave your body. Your pulse rate and the oxygen level in your blood returns to normal.
- Within a few days you may notice your senses such as taste and smell are improving. Your breathing is easier and your smoker’s cough will lessen.
- You are adding full, healthy days to your life.
- You are greatly reducing your risk of death from lung cancer and other diseases including heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and at least 13 other kinds of cancer.
- You are no longer poisoning those around you with second-hand smoke.
If You Slip Up
- Don’t be discouraged if you slip up. One cigarette is better than an entire pack. But that doesn’t mean you can safely smoke every now and then. Here are some tips for dealing with a slip-up:
- Understand that you’ve had a small setback and this doesn’t mean you are a smoker again.
- Feel good about how long you went without smoking. Learn how to cope better next time.
- Learn from your experiences and continue to use whatever works the best to keep you from smoking.
- If you are using medication to help you quit, don’t stop after only one or two cigarettes. Keep using it – it will keep helping you.
- See your GP to keep you motivated to stay smoke-free.
