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Dealing with the urge to smoke:
 |
Remember that the
urge to smoke will go away sooner than you expect, usually in 8-15
minutes. |
| Talk to
family members and friends; have them encourage you and boost your
spirits. |
| Stay away from
friends w ho smoking. |
| Review your reasons for quitting smoking |
|
Find something to
help redirect the cravings, such as the following:
 | Brushing
your teeth thoroughly |
| Relaxing and
practicing deep breathing |
| Exercising,
playing
sports, or walking |
| Taking a
hot bath or shower |
| Keeping
your hands busy by always doing something |
|
| Some useful
substitutes for cigarettes:
| Hands – Hold an
item in your hand, such as a pencil, paper clip, coin, rosary, etc.
Find something to do to keep your hands busy, such as drawing or
gardening. |
| Mouth – Keep a
toothpick in your mouth, chew gum, chew licorice, drink water, and
eat fruits and vegetable such as celery and carrots. Brush or floss
your teeth several times a day. |
| Lungs –
Exercise, practice deep breathing and imagine that you are expelling
the toxic substances from your of your body. |
| Mental State –
Practice deep breathing, relax your mind and body, pray, go for a
walk, talk to a friend, write, draw, sing, or read a book. |
| Enjoyment – Go
rent or see a movie, tell a joke, laugh out loud, eat with
friends and family, play with your children or grandchildren, do
anything that you enjoy doing. |
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