Helpful Advice In Fighting Cigarette Cravings
When you are trying to quit smoking, the most difficult thing that you have to deal with is your cravings. If you have been smoking for years, it is hard to ignore your body’s habit of picking up a cigarette and lighting up.
The motion of inhaling and exhaling smoke has become so natural that not doing it seems unnatural. However, do not give into your cravings. You can fight them off if you know how to redirect your mind. This article has some advice that can help you deal with those undesirable cravings.
Part of your craving comes from your mouth’s desire to inhale a cigarette. To keep your mouth busy when you crave a smoke, chew some gum instead.
Get some sugarless gum in a strong, minty flavor. The chewing motion will keep your mouth occupied. You can also try sucking on a very strong mint.
Another aspect of your craving involves what you hand does when you smoke. Your hand is accustomed to holding a cigarette. So, to keep your hands busy when you have a craving, work on a hobby or make something with your hands. Do a puzzle.
Perhaps you can even find some chores that you have to do, like pruning your garden or washing your car. Not only will that curb your craving, but you will get a lot of things done at the same time.
Another thing you can do when you get a craving is to do some strenuous activity. Go for a quick run around the neighborhood and get your heart pumping. Drink plenty of water to refresh yourself. This will renew your body’s energy and will put your mind in a more positive mood so you can fight against your craving more effectively.
The secret is keeping yourself occupied so you will be too busy to think about smoking. When your mind is idle, your thoughts will drift to how nice it would be to have a cigarette in your hands. However, do not fall for this temptation. Do not allow your mind to be idle. Keep yourself busy with projects, or keep your mind occupied with a good book.
Your cravings can be very strong on certain days. Sometimes you may feel like the struggle is too great. Stay positive and hang on. If you have a trusted friend or relative who knows what you are going through, call him up and have a talk. You will get the encouragement that you need to get through the day.
Remember why you want to quit smoking in the first place. Is it because you want to be in better health? Or perhaps you do not want your children to grow up with second-hand smoke in their environment? Whatever your reason is, focus on it whenever you get that craving.
Cravings are hard to ignore, but they will decrease. Just learn how to manage them, and take it one day at a time. As your body gets used to being smoke-free, those cravings will coming back less and less.
