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Remember, trying something to beat the urge is always better than doing nothing. And each time you resist a tobacco craving, you're one step closer to being totally tobacco-free. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
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Overview of smoking cessation management in adults. Weinberger AH, et al. Gender differences in self-reported withdrawal symptoms and reducing or quitting smoking three years later: A prospective, longitudinal examination of U. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. How to manage cravings. Stead LF, et al.
Combined pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. Mason RJ, et al.
Smoking hazards and cessation. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper and write them on one side; on the other side make a list of all the things you dislike, such as how it can interfere with your health, work, family, etc. Think about the list over time, and make changes. When the negative side outweighs the positive side, you are ready to quit. Be thorough, even if the list gets long and discouraging.
Next to each entry, list one or more options for overcoming that challenge. For instance, one item might be: Here are some incredible ways your body will heal itself after you quit. Here are some to get you started: Keep it near you at all times.
Instead, only buy a pack at a time, and only carry two or three with you at a time try putting them in an Altoids tin. That will slowly wean you down to fewer cigarettes. Worried about gaining weight?
When you want to smoke after you've quit, pull out that list and remind yourself why you are doing it. On World No Tobacco Day , here are a few ideas to get you started:.
This is important because it gives you definite a goal. Pick a date — maybe the start of a week, or the beginning of a month.
Have a look at your current routine and identify the times you smoke — with a cup of coffee in the morning, after a meal, or with lunch. You will need to make changes to your routine and break those habits. If you have coffee and a smoke in the morning, try drinking tea instead.
Cigarette after a meal? Go for a short walk. CANSA suggests you avoid smokers and anything that would make you want to smoke, especially for the first few days. But the good news is that cravings are time limited — they usually only last three to five minutes whether you smoke or not. Find ways to keep yourself busy. CANSA says drinking lots of water will help flush the nicotine from your body. When a craving hits and you feel as though you absolutely must smoke, try sipping ice cold water.
This will help you to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods, which could lead to weight gain.