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Things to do instead of smoking

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2508

Going for a walk is always a good one for me. Taking a long relaxing shower. Prayer is always good. Today has been a hard day I have been craving since this morning actually for the last few days. I spent all afternoon walking and it helped for a while, even so I has a minor slip this evening and am pretty sure I will be better tomorrow. I sure hope so. All of these tips and ideas should help me continue my quit for the rest of today and into tomorrow. Thanks for your ideas it really helps. One day at a time for me thats for sure, it's something to never forget. As long as this is just a slip I see no need to start my counter over. I will be better tomorrow. I can do this. I have to do this. Not tomorrow but right now. Stay Strong Everybody and never let your guard down. NOPE

Rose

My Mileage:

My Quit Date: 5/30/2010
Smoke-Free Days: 41
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 1,640
Amount Saved: $533.00
Life Gained:
Days: 5 Hrs: 18 Mins: 33 Seconds: 2

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 223

Lolly,

This is a great post.

Thanks for sharing.

Jason

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 618

Ideas to help :

-On the day you pick to quit, start that morning without a cigarette.
-Don't focus on what you are missing. Think about what you are gaining.
-Tell yourself you are a great person for quitting. Remind yourself of this when you want a smoke.
-When you get the urge to smoke, take a deep breath. Hold it for ten seconds, and then release it slowly.
-Keep your hands busy. Doodle, play a sport, knit or work on a computer.
-Change activities that were connected to smoking. Take a walk or -read a book instead of taking a cigarette break.
-Don't carry a lighter, matches or cigarettes.
-Go to places that don't allow smoking, such as museums and libraries.
-Eat low-calorie, healthful foods when the urge to smoke strikes. Carrot and celery sticks, fresh fruits and fat-free snacks are good choices.
-Drink a lot of fluids. Cut down on alcohol and caffeine. They can trigger urges to smoke. Select water, herbal teas, caffeine-free soft drinks and juices.
-Exercise. Exercising will help you relax.
-Hang out with non-smokers.
-Get support for quitting. Tell others about your milestones with pride.

Additionally:

Join a smoking cessation group, whether on the net, like this one, or in the non-virtual world... or both.

Keep a supply of candies around to suck on.

Write a list of 'Reasons I'm quitting smoking', and look at it from time to time, - more often in the beginning.

Remind yourself that the physical and emotional discomfort of withdrawal means that you're becoming a non-smoker. The pain means you're winning the battles, and ultimately, the war.

Reward yourself often.

My Mileage:

My Quit Date: 11/25/2004
Smoke-Free Days: 2053
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 71,855
Amount Saved: �17,963.75
Life Gained:
Days: 272 Hrs: 12 Mins: 48 Seconds: 14

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1904

Doing some exercises at home. I'm craving cigarettes right now, but I won't smoke. I'm pretty sure of it.

My Mileage:

My Quit Date: 5/1/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 435
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 12,180
Amount Saved: $5,176.50
Life Gained:
Days: 48 Hrs: 23 Mins: 29 Seconds: 10

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1209

1. Cleaning, especially if you smoked in the house.

2. Gardening ( nothing like burning off some calories and frustartions by pulling weeds.

3. Volunteer.. on line or at a hospital, food bank or feeding the hungry, animal shelter.

4. Hobbies.. I crochet

Bonnie

My Mileage:

My Quit Date: 5/7/2010
Smoke-Free Days: 55
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 935
Amount Saved: $187.00
Life Gained:
Days: 7 Hrs: 7 Mins: 38 Seconds: 24

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 71

1. Surf the WEB.

2. Ride a bike.

3. Read a book.

4. Color with a child.

5. Take a nap.

My Mileage:

My Quit Date: 5/31/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 396
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 13,860
Amount Saved: $3,118.50
Life Gained:
Days: 51 Hrs: 23 Mins: 31 Seconds: 58

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2606

Hi Jeniwho,

Thank you so much for this post, it is really positive and inspiring! These are definitely some great things to do when you are stressed, bored or craving! I especially like the brush and floss teeth idea, that one is always beneficial! Plus you can admire your pearly whites and smile

knowing that you are no longer staining them.

Members, any other ideas to add to this list? It's always fun to find out new things to do!

Samantha, Health Educator

16 years ago 0 +0 / -0 90

I have talked to a few people recently who have either quit smoking recently or would like to. Many people have asked me for advice on things to do instead of smoking when they are stressed, bored, or craving. Anyone have any other ideas to add?

1. Go for a walk

2. Read a book

3. Paint my nails

4. Take deep breaths

5. Drink cold ice water

6. Brush and floss teeth

7. Spend time doing a hobby like scrapbooking

8. Experiment with cooking yummy low fat foods

9. Play video games

10. Write a letter to a friend or relative you have not talked to for a while.

My Mileage:

My Quit Date: 11/23/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 219
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 4,380
Amount Saved: $1,533.00
Life Gained:
Days: 19 Hrs: 2 Mins: 57 Seconds: 39

Quit Meter

$393,006.00

Amount Saved
Quit Meter

Days: 6063 Hours: 8

Minutes: 17 Seconds: 33

Life Gained
Quit Meter

46236

Smoke Free Days
Quit Meter

924,720

Cigarettes Not Smoked

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Things to do instead of smoking