•    Never skip meals. Your body needs energy!
•    But be sure to snack smart: celery, carrot sticks, nuts, and seeds. Munchies keep your mouth busy.
•    Increase exercise to get the endorphins going.
•    Stay away from triggers – smoking hangouts and smoking-break buddies.
•    Get plenty of rest.  Set aside time for napping and relaxing. You’re allowed!
•    Take a meditation/breathing class – for peace of mind, and to enjoy your lungs.
•    Collect all lighters, leftover packs of cigarettes, and ashtrays and toss ‘em.
•    Clean the home or car to celebrate your new beginning.
•    Commit to seeing supportive friends and relatives. Put them on your calendar.
•    Call yourself a non-smoker.
•    Enjoy yourself. Call on friends when you feel low. Go to the movies and try new activities. Again, put these on your calendar to force yourself not to wimp out.
•    Think positive: Focus not on what you’re giving up, but what you’re gaining.
•    Take all cigarette butts for two weeks prior to quitting and put in a jar with water. When the urge arises, open the jar and take a deep breath!
•    Write it down! Write down “I want to be a lifelong non-smoker” or “I can change my behavior.” Say it enough times and you’ll start to believe it.
•    Keep a list of reasons why you want to be a non-smoker visible in your house, in the car or at work.
•    Avoid tempting situations (i.e. your favorite smoking chair.)
•    Join a support group or ask friends for additional support. Quitting is tough stuff; don’t go at it alone.
•    Use other stress relieving activities: a relaxing bath, music, reading, walking, massage, or acupuncture.

Posted January 1st, 2010 by Abbey in articles | No Comments »