What's the best way not to think about smoking when trying to give up?

Question

Gave up 5 minutes ago and really want to do it this time.

Answer 1

Occupy yourself with something else. Start writing a diary, go and cook a meal, wash the dishes, watch TV etc.

If you do think about smoking try to associate it with negative imagery like dying a long slow death of lung cancer, the disgusting state of your teeth and the ashtray smell of your breath or the way others perceive you as a smoker, probably thinking secretly that you are weak and have no self-respect.

My grandad died in the early hours of Monday morning after a dehumanising two year battle with lung cancer. I know this means nothing to you because you didn't know him but if it were your own relative who you loved, you would understand how revolting cigarettes are and you would never touch another one.

I don't mean to lecture, but no one deserves to die a slow, ugly death. By continuing to smoke, you are setting yourself up for lung cancer at the end of your life. Do you really hate yourself that much?

Answer 2

In times of temptation...

* Ease the withdrawal symptoms with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
* Keep busy - go to a film, take some exercise or start a new project.
* Change your routine - avoid the shops where you usually buy cigarettes.
* End meals or snacks with something that won't lead to a cigarette.
* Avoid people who smoke - spend more time with non-smoking friends.
* Keep your hands busy - doodle, knit, type an email to someone you've lost touch with, even do the crossword!
* Drink plenty of fluids. Keep a glass of water or pure fruit juice by you and sip it steadily.
* When your desire for a cigarette is intense, wash your hands - or the dishes - or try new recipes.
* If you miss having something in your mouth, try toothpicks, or carrot or celery sticks.
* If you always smoke while driving, sing along to your favourite music instead, or use public transport.
* Never allow yourself to think that 'one won't hurt' - it will. It's a slippery slope.


Tackling mealtimes...

* Be careful what you eat - try not to snack on fatty or salty foods.
* Assist the body in getting rid of nicotine. Drink plenty of water; eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fibre-rich foods.
* Change your eating habits to help you cut down - for example, drink milk, which many people consider incompatible with smoking.
* Change the daily schedule. Eat at different times or eat many small meals instead of three large ones; sit in a different chair; rearrange the furniture.
* Find other ways to close a meal. Play a tape or CD; eat a piece of fruit; get up and make a phone call.
* Instead of smoking after meals, get up from the table and brush your teeth.
* Try to avoid alcohol, coffee, and other beverages that you associate with cigarette smoking.


It's a mind game...

* Light incense or candles instead of a cigarette.
* Strike up conversation instead of a match for a cigarette.
* Cut a drinking straw into cigarette-sized pieces. Inhale air.
* Collect all your cigarette butts in a large glass container - you'll clearly see just how much you DO smoke.
* Take 10 deep breaths and hold the last one while lighting a match. Exhale slowly and blow out the match. Pretend it's a cigarette and crush it out in an ashtray. Repeat.
* Decide positively that you want to stop. Try to avoid negative thoughts about how difficult it might be.
* When cravings become overwhelming: take naps, warm baths or showers, or meditate.
* If you miss the sensation of having a cigarette in your hand, play with something else (!) - a pencil, a paper clip, whatever.
* Identify the trigger: Exactly what was it that prompted you to smoke? Be aware of the trigger and decide now how you'll cope with it when it comes up again.
* Understand that withdrawal symptoms are temporary - they're healthy signs that the body is repairing itself from its long exposure to nicotine.
* When cravings occur, hold your breath as long as possible or take a few deep rhythmic breaths.

Answer 3

I quit about a month ago. Vicks menthol cough drops. I ate them like crazy. In the car, I called people on my cell phone. I played video games on line, and i stayed very busy at work and at home. I stayed extremely busy. I also used the nicotine patch. I still have cravings and I always will, it's just a matter of not giving into those cravings. I have to remember I don't want lung cancer. So I choose not to smoke. Some states have 800 numbers for quit lines. That might help. Also contact your local hospital. I'm sure they have support groups or information for you on ways to quit.

Answer 4

First step: Fill your head with thoughts of disgust and disdain for cigarettes
2nd: Positive reflection on why you don't want them
3rd: Speak quitting into your life
4th: Remove every physical item that links you to smoking; lighters, etc.
5th: Remove harmful influences
You might notice though, that all of these things remind you of smoking. If you use prayer/meditation/concentration techniques on something COMPLETELY different, such as Music, a loved one, or studies, you can forget about smoking. Good Luck. One last thing, is get so sick that you can't even think about smoking, and don't. By the time your better, the physical desire is gone, and it's just a mind game.

Answer 5

I gave up smoking 6 months ago and I don't feel the need for another cig.The best way is to realise that you spend a fortune to kill yourself.Willpower is coming from your mind,not your body.
Think about it when you want to lit up a ***.
Good luck.

Answer 6

I don't know about "not thinking about smoking", but just read something last night. I was looking up cinnamon for other reasons, and it says that it helps w/cravings. I thought it was only food cravings, but saw where it helps, or is suppose to help w/the craving for cigarettes. It says to use 1/4 teaspoon on something you eat, toast, in tea, cereal, etc. It also says you can make or buy the cinnamon toothpicks, and when you want a cigarette, or have the craving, then pick up the toothpick and use it. I never knew the cinnamon was good for cravings. After reading about cinnamon for diabetes, I saw this on lots of sites I searched on for cravings...
I know that you have probably done all this, but I know people who have their cigarettes in the car locked up, and when they want one, then they have to go unlock the car to get one out. I don't think it is just the fact that you have to go to the car to get one, but it gives you the time to think while you are on the way to the car what you are doing, and why you are going to the car to get a cig after you are wanting to quit. Not making them easily accessible and not a quick reaction to them being with in hands reach. (a habit you do) They say to change your normal habits that you have when you smoke, don't sit at the same spot you normally sit when you smoke, so it's a habit you have to break if you normally reach for a cigarette when you are in the same chair or same location.
One lady I know took toothpicks, (they weren't even cinnamon toothpicks) and placed them in little bottles, medicine conatiners, all over the house, so when she wanted to reach for a cigarette, she reached for a toothpick, to have in her hands, to occupy in place of cigarettes, to hold in her mouth, and to chew on or what ever. It's a lot cheaper to than candy, and not fattening. And IF the cinnamon helps w/cravings, the maybe that would work. ( I am going to try the cinnamon toothpicks because I need to loose weight and if it helps w/sweet cravings, the it should help.)

Good luck..


Good luck..

Answer 7

Exercising and jogging. Don't be around where there is smoke. Start chewing on carrots even at work. Be proud of yourself, now you can say "I am a non-smoker". You need to shower regularly too. All that old nicotine secretes out your pores and makes you want to smoke. Good lucK and Mery Xmas.

Answer 8

No, the trick is to think about smoking all the time - what it is doing to your lungs, how it can give you cancer, what you can do with all the money you are saving, how much better your food tastes when not smoking, how pleased your family is that you are giving up. Think about smoking as much as you like, just don't smoke.

Answer 9

Try doing something that you don't particularly like to do each time that you feel like smoking. Many people say that cleaning works for them. Each time they feel the urge to smoke they start cleaning. Cleaning is mindless work, but physical. Keeps your hands busy and seems like punishment sometimes even though it is a necessary evil. At the very least you will have very clean surroundings.

Answer 10

Chewing gum. Doing something that is relaxing. Excercise. Maybe team sports. Swimming. Focusing on eating habits, making sure fluid intake is sufficient. Taking a few deep breaths.