How to Deal with Cravings

[Whispers]

Cravings to smoke and withdrawal symptoms are a normal, temporary part of the quitting process. Focus on the fact that these are "recovery symptoms" and they'll soon be behind you.

Remember, if you don't give in and smoke, you won't ever have to experience them again!
 

For these Symptoms:

Try:

 

 

 

 

 

The urge to smoke, strong cravings----  Tell yourself that the urge will pass in three to five minutes. Distract yourself by doing something else.

Feeling irritable, tense, on edge----  Take a break. Walk away from the situation. Deep breathing or a brisk walk can help.

Trouble concentrating----   Break up large projects into smaller ones. Look for ways to take short breaks.

Extra energy, restlessness---  Your body is rebounding. Use this extra energy for things you have been putting off.

Sleepiness---  Take a walk to get some fresh air or take a catnap.

Trouble sleeping at night---  Try deep breathing and avoid drinks with caffeine.  Take a brisk walk.

Constipation and irregularity---  Add fiber to your diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains). Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

Coughing---  This is a good sign! Your lungs are working to clear themselves out. Have cough drops on hand.

Headache---  Your body is adjusting to being nicotine-free. Try some deep breathing.

Hunger and craving for sweets---  These reactions are normal. Drink water. Reach for a low calorie snack or low sugar sweets.

 

Some of the many lasting positive signs of recovery from smoking include:
 

Brighter skin

A better sense of taste and smell

Lower heart rate and blood pressure

More energy

Reduced sinus problems

Better circulation

Feelings of pride and accomplishment

[jillar]

Great post whispers, I just wanted to add for strong craves:

 

Posting an SOS here so that members can help you through it

Reading, playing games, celebrating and socializing here to get your mind off your misery

An air cigarette to trick your mind into thinking it's getting the real thing

 

 

[notsmokinjo]

Just a tip on 'air cigs' or substitute cigs (a macca's¹ or hungry jacks² straw cut to length), a pencil... these a great... I need that tactile thing and a pure JAC doesn't cut it for me... well back to the tip/warning... biros/pens not such a good option, especially if you've already chewed the top off... because if your really stressed and you give it a good, hard drag you can end up with a mouth full of ink, which tastes pretty crappy and makes ya look pretty silly.

 

1. Macca's - McDonald's

2. Hungry Jacks - Burger King

Edited June 9, 2018 by notsmokinjo
translating

[Whispers]

Straw/fake cigg

[Doreensfree]

Bumping hope this helps..