World No Tobacco Day: 8 Easy Ways To Resist Cigarette Cravings

World No Tobacco Day or Anti Tobacco Day is observed on May 31st across the world, every year to raise awareness regarding the health risks of tobacco and encourage governments to put policies into action that help reduce smoking and the use of other tobacco products.

Despite knowing the risks of smoking, kicking the ill habit continues to be a challenge as nicotine, the highly addictive substance in tobacco, creates a very strong dependence. Even though quitting is hard, it is not entirely impossible.

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Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Sitting For Long Hours At Work Is As Dangerous As Smoking

Here are 8 easy ways you can resist cigarette cravings

1. Try nicotine replacement therapy

The nicotine withdrawal once you quit smoking is most likely going to give you headaches which will directly affect your mood and drain you of energy. During this period, short-acting nicotine replacement therapies like nicotine gum, lozenges and patches can get you relief from those intense cravings for that 'one last drag'. You can also talk to your doctor about getting you prescription nicotine nasal sprays or inhalers.

2. Reduce your stress and give yourself a break

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A major reason for people to smoke is the stress relief that nicotine provides. Once you quit you need something else to unwind and relax to deal with stress as fighting back against a tobacco craving can itself be very stressful. Try to explore ways to relax your mind, pick up a new hobby or go back to an old one!

3. Move your body

Being active can curb nicotine cravings and may ease some withdrawal symptoms. So grab on your sneakers and get going! Even running up and down the stairs or dancing to your favourite songs can make your temptations and cravings go away, at least for a short duration of time.

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4. Avoid Triggers

Identify when you smoke, why you smoke and what you are doing when you are smoking. You have to write down your reasons for smoking, whether you are smoking to appear cool among your friends or to give your alcoholic beverage a partner. These are your triggers and you need to avoid them at all costs! Evade all situations where you can end up smoking such as finding ways to completely forego alcohol or effectively dodging your group of friends who smoke.

5. Try relaxation techniques

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Listening to music, playing a thrilling game or meditation, whatever floats your boat, whenever the cravings become too hard to handle. Some people often find mundane chores such as cleaning or washing the dishes calming which helps your mind deal with withdrawal symptoms.

6. Distract yourself

If you feel like you just can't control your urges anymore and maybe you should just give in to your cigarette cravings, tell yourself that you will smoke again in 15 minutes, and immerse yourself in some task during that time that you know is going to take you much longer and then repeat the 15 minute process time and time again, just like you would procrastinate studying. Most likely you will be able to trick your mind with this simple trick.

7. Contact a loved one

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Let your family, friends, colleagues and other people in your life, know that you are trying to quit smoking. Nowadays talking to a counsellor or joining a support group is also very easy and greatly increases your chances of quitting. Your loved ones can offer you encouragement on your decision and will be of great help, especially in your times of weakness. Call them up when you feel weak with cravings and let them boost your morale once again!

8. Remind yourself of your reasons to quit

You must have had a powerful personal reason to gather the motivation and strength and finally quit smoking. Whether it is to lower your chance of getting a lung or heart disease or to protect your near and dear ones from secondhand smoke, make that your mantra and repeat it whenever you feel the urge to light one up.

While quitting smoking is a long and arduous process that tests your determination every step of the way it is also a rewarding one! So start today and remember each time you resist a cigarette craving, you're one step closer to stopping tobacco use for good.

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