Ginette,
Most cravings are brief, but they seem like they will go on forever. Stay strong and stay quit! Here's some tips to help:
1. Delay.
Most urges will go away in a few minutes.
2. Distract.
Take your mind off smoking.
Think of something else to do.
Any shift in attention will take away most or all of most people's urges. (e.g. by taking a walk, listening to some music, getting up and doing something else).
3. Deep Breathing:
Take two deep breaths. Breathe in slowly & deeply. Then breathe out. Many smokers only breathe deeply when they are smoking. Do you?
4. Drink water.
Drink it slowly and keep it in your mouth awhile.
Here are some thoughts for you to think about:
"It will only last for a little while. I can get through it."
"It won't kill me to live through this urge."
"My body is repairing itself, and I can handle it."
"I will not be controlled by a cigarette."
"I don't want to get cancer, a stroke or a heart attack."
"If I get through today, I can get through any situation without a cig."
"My urges subside and go away. I just have to handle them right now."
"I have what it takes to be a non-smoker."
"I have made so much progress so far. I don't want to spoil it now."
Your fellow members will be around shortly to give you some more tips.
Brenna, Bilingual Support Specialist
