Nicotine withdrawal can be a difficult thing to manage. Not only can it effect you mentally, but it can also affect you physically and emotionally.
There may be times when you want to reach out for a cigarette and fulfil that urge. However, today we are here to discuss how you can manage your cravings to help keep you on track of your quitting smoking journey. Here’s our six top tips.
Know Your Triggers and Avoid Them
Are there events in your life which encourage you to smoke? Maybe it’s social events like parties or situations that make you feel stressed. Whatever it may be, it is crucial that you learn to identify your smoking triggers so you can work to actively avoid them. Check out these five common smoking triggers and see if you can relate to any of them.
There will always be a way to avoid your triggers, but it just takes some thought and acknowledgement of what they are. If you always smoke whilst you’re out drinking, then tell yourself that you will sit indoors from now on with the non-smokers. Don’t set yourself up to fail.
Replace Old Routines with New Ones
For the majority of smokers, there will be specific times in the day where they choose to smoke. It’s time to ditch the old routine in replacement for a healthy new one. If you smoke after work, for instance, replace that with something new like going to the gym or taking a walk with a friend. It can be a good idea to plan your new routine and write down the times you would usually smoke. This can help you plan your new routine and identify what new activities you can do instead.
Switch To an E-Cigarette
Ditching cigarettes all together is difficult and not that realistic for most people. Instead, many people in the UK have made the switch to e-cigarettes. Not only have they helped thousands of people to stop smoking, but they are also an effective way to manage your nicotine cravings. The popularity of e-cigarettes has risen dramatically over the past few years and now you can purchase them in-store and even online from sites like E-Cigarette Direct. They sell an abundance of e-cig products and liquids, and their experts are on hand to give you advice with your purchase. Click here to check it out.
Chew Something
Your mouth needs a distraction to fight the craving for a cigarette. Chewing on something like gum or a hard boiled sweet can help keep your mouth occupied for a long duration of time. If you want to be even healthier you can chew on raw carrots or celery. As long as it is satisfying enough to help you beat the craving it will do! It can be a good idea to pack some chewing gum or sweets in your bag/pocket in case you get a strong craving when you are out and about.
Take Part in De-Stressing Activities
A lot of people would turn to a cigarette when they are stressed. They now associate smoking as an activity that relieves these negative feelings. Instead, it’s time to find another means to de-stress and look for activities that you will enjoy. These tips for de-stressing can be a good place to start. There are so many avenues that you can explore and if the first one doesn’t work out for you then it is important to not get disheartened. Quitting smoking is a process and a difficult one at that.
It is important to note that everyone’s idea of de-stressing is also going to be different. Your friend may find a long walk relaxing, but you might find sitting down and reading your favourite book works a lot better for you. It is important to try out a range of activities to find one that fits well into your routine.
Reach Out to Those Around You
It is important to remind yourself that you are not on this journey alone. You may be surprised to know that more people who are quitting smoking are closer to your doorstep than you may think. In fact, there are about 6.9 million adult cigarette smokers in the UK. So, the likelihood is you or someone around you will know someone who is going through the same thing.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to people to hear their advice. It can be nice to hear from someone who gets it. If you’re going through a tough time of struggling to beat your cravings, then turn to family members and friends who will be able to give you an encouraging reminder of why you are quitting in the first place. With the help of those around you, their support can help motivate you and encourage you to beat smoking for good.
