How to Combat the Cravings of Smoking?

Quitting smoking is not simple and easy. It usually is the complete opposite. It is a long and hard process. It will be difficult for the first few days and weeks. Smokers, who want to quit, have to endure many obstacles during this process.

One of those obstacles is to overcome those pesky cravings and yes, those cravings are for real. They are those times when you really need to take a puff of that cigarette, so you can relax. You may wonder why you get those cravings. You need to remember that you were not only psychologically addicted to smoking, but you were also physiologically addicted.

As you are dealing with those cravings and urgings, you may also notice you’re feeling a bit moody – feeling irritable, anxious, angry and sometimes depressed. Your heart rate and blood pressure may also fluctuate at times. It’s normal. You’re going through nicotine withdrawals. You get those feelings, because you’re coming down from your dependence of nicotine.

To help combat these cravings

• Keep some substitutes handy that you can suck on or chew.
• Buy some sugar-free gum or hard candy.
• To be healthier, you may want to buy some carrots, celery sticks, raisins or apples. Those are just a few.
• Just some small foods, because cravings won’t last too long before it goes away.

• Know that irritability, anxiety, anger and depression are normal feelings after quitting.
• It will get better with time. It should be less intense after approximately two weeks.
• See your doctor if these feelings last more than a month.

• Take out a match. Then take a deep breath while you light that match. Hold it for a few seconds. And then exhale slowly and blow out the match.
• Pretend it’s that perfect cigarette.
• You will more than likely feel better.

• Go for a short walk around the block
• Exercise is always good and it can relieve your stress.
• Start off slow at first.
• It will make you get healthier.

• Take a shower or bath.
• It will relieve your stress and make you fresh and clean.

• Light a candle instead of a cigarette.
• It helps make the room smell nice.
• The nice aroma will relieve your stress.

• Learn to relax quickly and deeply.
• Try and think of a better place. Feel the tension slip away.

• Try a new hobby.
• It will keep your mind occupied.

• Wear a rubber band around your wrist. Whenever you feel a craving, just snap it against your wrist to remind yourself of all the unpleasant reasons that made you want to quit in the first place.
• Remember to always wear a rubber band.
• It will keep you in line.

And finally, cravings are normal when you try to quit smoking. It’s a part of the process. If you have the courage and willpower, you can overcome all these cravings as well as the withdrawal symptoms. They don’t last too long. If you are able to deal with it for a couple weeks, you can quit smoking.

Getting Started To Quit Smoking Forever

Quitting smoking is not as much an event, as it is a process. It’s a long and hard process at times.  You need to take it one day at a time. Every day, you need to decide not to smoke today. Each day you don’t smoke is one step to your goal to be smoke-free.

Before you decide to quit smoking, you should prepare yourself for a long process. There are few ways to do just that.

·           Determine the day when you will stop and mark it on the calendar. Most people draw a circle. It’s important to give yourself some time.

·           Most people start on a Monday. People, who quit smoking, will want to have a routine; so they can occupy their time with work.

·           You can do some research about different quitting smoking options. About 80% of smokers who quit do so without being in a program. Sadly, 95% of these self-reliant quitters will fail and go back to smoking within 12 months.

·           Nicotine Anonymous. It’s a 12-step program that is beneficial and the meetings are free. You can either search online or check your local phonebook. There’s a local chapter near you.

·           The gum.

·           The patch.

·           You need to determine what’s best for you.

·           Tell your family and friends that you’re going to quit smoking. Hopefully, they will be supportive for you.

You need to remember that it’s hard to break a habit. You’ve smoked for many years, so it’s not going to be easy. There are many obstacles that you will have to endure before you succeed.

·           Fear of failure.

·           Each year, millions of people will try to quit smoking. Sadly, less than 10% will succeed on their first try.

·           Concerns about weight gain

·           Most studies have shown: over a two-year period after quitting, successful quitters gain an average of five pounds.

·           Smokers often smoke instead of eating therefore consuming less food.

·           However, giving up smoking is more beneficial and you can always lose those extra pounds with a diet plan.

·           Concerns about stress.

·           Studies suggest nicotine is actually helpful in improving moods and decreasing negative feelings.

·           However, it’s not sure why that is

·           Concerns about nicotine withdrawal.

·           There will be hard cravings after you quit smoking.

·           You may also be irritable, anxious, depressed or angry.

·           These withdrawal symptoms don’t last too long. Most diminish within two week.

·           Concerns about your age.

·           You may think you’re too old to quit.

·           However, quitting smoking reduces chances of heart disease and stroke.

After you finally decide you want to quit smoking, you need to remember that it’s going to be difficult for a few days or weeks. There’s no magic pill you can swallow. You need to do the footwork. It is going to take some courage, resolve and more importantly the willpower to quit smoking.

You shouldn’t ask yourself if this program works for you. Instead, ask yourself are you willing to do the work? Most importantly, tell yourself that you can do it! And you will.