Even though smoking is expensive and causes a plethora of dangerous health issues, millions of people still do it. The highly addictive nature of nicotine and the psychological comfort smoking provides can make quitting difficult. Fortunately, it is completely possible to stop smoking and ignore the cravings when they occur.
Step 1
Keep a supply of healthy snacks with you in place of your cigarette pack. Try sunflower seeds, gum, sugar-free lollipops, pistachio nuts, celery sticks or carrots.
Step 2
Hold something if you miss having a cigarette in your hand. Consider a paper clip, small rubber ball, pencil, water bottle or marble.
Step 3
Drink plenty of juice and water instead of beer and wine. Alcoholic beverages can trigger smoking.
Step 4
Sip on a cup of herbal tea after breakfast or whenever you usually smoke. Brewing the tea and drinking it slowly can relieve stress similar to nicotine.
Step 5
Stop doing things that you usually did while smoking. Activities might include watching television after dinner or reading the newspaper at the kitchen table at breakfast. This is temporary---you can resume usual activities once you have a handle on your nicotine habit.
Step 6
Switch from a nicotine habit to a nut habit. Eat four shelled nuts in place of every cigarette you desire. Using your hands and mouth to shell and eat nuts will provide the same physical and oral sensations as smoking.
Tips and Warnings
- The Reader's Digest recommends making a list of things to do when you encounter a nicotine craving. Consider brushing your teeth, getting a cup of coffee, washing the car, walking the dog, taking a walk, cleaning the house, doing deep breathing exercises or taking a nap. Keep a copy of this list with you at all times. When a craving hits, look at the list and pick something to do. Do not quit if you are under a lot of stress or are suffering from depression. You are less likely to succeed if you are not in a good mood when you quit.
- Tobacco use is deadly. According to Smokefree.gov, more than 450,000 people in the United States die from it each year. 170,000 of those deaths are the result of cancer. Besides cancer, smoking also increases your risks of developing emphysema, heart disease, chronic bronchitis and having a stroke.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy snacks
- Something to hold such as paperclip, marble or rubber ball
- Juice and water
- Shelled nuts
