You know my dad was a chain smoker.... not any more!!
Sipping cold water through straw can help replace the act of sucking on a cigarette. Eating small meals can also help you get past the urge the smoke.
One of the immediate benefits of quitting is that your mouth tastes better and your breath smells better. Brush your teeth frequently. That way, you'll be less inclined to light up a cigarette and foul that clean, fresh mouth.
The act of drinking alcohol is also associated with smoking for many people, so it may serve as a trigger.
The more distracting the location is, the easier it will be to ride out cravings (urge for smoking).
Physical activity offers a powerful distraction from cravings. When your body is active, it sends out natural chemicals that help your mood and reduce your stress.
During the first few weeks of quitting, make sure your days are filled with things you want or need to do. Make plans to eat meals with family or friends.
Part of the urge to smoke is having something in your mouth. In place of a cigarette, pop chewing gum, hard candy, or a healthy snack in your mouth when the urge strikes.
Negative emotions -- depression, anger, frustration -- are another common reason people go back to smoking. Bad moods happen to everyone. And chances are you'll experience more than your fair share of negative emotions during the first few weeks of quitting. Find ways to distract yourself.
Once you make it through the first two weeks, you're on your way to a lifetime free of nicotine addiction. But be prepared in case you falter.
Remember: one lapse does not signal a collapse. Analyze what went wrong. Then brainstorm strategies to prevent the same problem from happening again.
