Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than smoking. Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food. Remember H. Beginning to increase your physical activity before you quit smoking may remind you how much smoking slows you down, when you have trouble breathing or start to cough during exercise. A craving only lasts about 5 minutes.
Replace smoking with other activities that occupy your hands and your mouth. T. Remember H.
Snack on fruit or chewing gum to satisfy any sweet cravings.
L. But changing too much too quickly can increase the stress you feel as you try to quit smoking. If you are struggling or anxious about trying to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement such as nicotine gum or a nicotine patch.
Keep your hands busy with doodling, crossword puzzles, knitting, or twirling a straw, pen, or pencil. Find something that will replace smoking as a way to relax and do it consistently. This can cause extra stress that can lead to extra snacking, especially over the holidays when more food is around, or relapsing back into smoking to cope with the stress. Reduce tension by meditating, taking a walk or a bath, or taking deep breaths. Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than smoking.
Try not to do things that tempt you to smoke, such as drinking or socializing in a bar, or tempt you to eat when you're not hungry, such as bringing a bag of chips in front of the television. Weight gain is more likely when someone has smoked for 10 to 20 years or smokes a pack or more a day.
Article Source: Stop Smoking Program